HOW DO I KNOW I AM SUFFERING FROM CATARACT?
Development of cataract leads to a decrease in your vision, which may manifest as blurry vision, which may be predominant in light or dark conditions, seeing colored haloes around light sources, difficulty in driving due to glare, intolerance to very bright light, or cloudy vision (as if seeing through a cloud/waterfall). The severity of visual loss is usually proportionate to the severity of cataract, but this may not always be the case.

WHAT IS THE CAUSE OF CATARACT?
In most cases, cataract formation is an age related phenomenon. However, cataract may also develop at a younger age, due to causes like injury to the eye, prolonged use of certain medications, skin related diseases, certain occupations, among others. Cataracts can also be present since birth – these are known as congenital cataracts, which need to be treated as early as possible, to allow the visual system of the child to develop normally.

WHAT IS THE TREATMENT OF CATARACT?
The only available treatment at present is surgical extraction of the cataract and placement of an Intra-ocular Lens implant (IOL) inside the eye.

WHEN SHOULD I GET OPERATED?
The need for surgery depends on the severity of your cataract and your visual needs. The best way to make a sound decision is to consult your Ophthalmologist, and discuss your complaints and needs with the doctor.

WHICH INTRA-OCULAR LENS (IOL) IS BEST FOR ME?
There are several types of IOLs available in India. Technically, these can be classified as Monofocal implants, Toric implants, Bifocal implants, Extended Depth of Focus implants and Trifocal implants. The choice of IOL does not depend solely on your budget, but more so on your lifestyle and visual demands, as well as the health of the other parts of your eye such as the retina, and the presence of co-existing diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. It is best to discuss this with your treating Ophthalmologist.

WHAT CATARACT SERVICES ARE OFFERED AT APOLLO PRIME EYE HOSPITALS?
At our hospital, every patient undergoes a thorough ophthalmic examination, in order to arrive at a complete diagnosis. After this, all possible options of treatment are offered to the patient, according to their needs. Once a decision for surgery is made, the patient has to undergo certain laboratory investigations, as well as IOL power calculation. This is done using the latest diagnostic equipments. The surgical procedure of cataract extraction is done by MICS (Micro incision cataract surgery) technology, with the latest WhiteStar Cold Phacoemulsification technique, which provides quick visual rehabilitation with precise outcomes. In most cases, the patient is able to get to his routine activities within 1-2 days.