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Assalam Alaikum to every one! In this issue I’ll tell you
about the treatment of “cataract”.
So that early treatment can save your precious eyes. Read it and say “Bye!
Bye!” to cataract.
Cataract is detected through a comprehensive eye exam that includes:
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“Visual acuity test”,
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“Dilated eye exam” and
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“Tonometry”.
If you have early cataract symptoms, then wearing a new power
eyeglasses or anti-glare sunglasses, or magnifying lenses might help you to
see a little clearer. If these measures do not help and vision loss
interferes with your everyday activities, such as driving, reading, or
watching TV, then surgery is the only effective treatment. Don’t be afraid
with the name of surgery because now a days surgery of eyes is more safest
then ever. In cataract surgery, surgeon just removes the cloudy lens and
replaces an artificial lens at same place. Sometimes a cataract should be
removed even if it does not cause problems with your vision. For example, a
cataract should be removed if it prevents examination or treatment of
another eye problem, such as age-related macular degeneration or diabetic
retinopathy. The surgery on each eye will be performed at separate times,
usually four to eight weeks apart. Many people who need cataract
surgery also have other eye problem with cataract, such as glaucoma (“kala
pani” in Urdu language). If you have other eye conditions in addition to
cataract, talk with your doctor. Learn about the risks, benefits,
alternatives, and expected results of cataract surgery.
There are two types of cataract surgery. Your doctor can explain the
differences and help determine which is better for you,
“Phacoemulsification” (Phaco). In this procedure a small incision
is made on the side of the cornea ( the clear dome-shaped surface
that covers the front of the eye). Your doctor inserts a tiny probe into the
eye. This device emits ultrasound waves that soften and break up the lens so
that it can be removed by suction. Most cataract surgery today is done by
“Phacoemulsification”. It is also called "small incision cataract
surgery”. Other one is “Extracapsular surgery”. In this your
doctor makes a longer incision on the side of the cornea and removes the
cloudy core of the lens in one piece. The rest of the lens is removed by
suction. After the natural lens has been removed, it often is replaced by
an artificial lens, called an “Intraocular lens” (IOL). An IOL is a
clear, plastic lens that requires no care and becomes a permanent part of
your eye. As with any surgery, cataract surgery poses risks, such as
infection and bleeding. Before cataract surgery, your doctor may ask you to
temporarily stop taking certain medications that increase the risk of
bleeding during surgery. After surgery, you must keep your eye clean, wash
your hands before touching your eye, and use the prescribed medications to
help minimize the risk of infection. Serious infection after Cataract
surgery slightly increases your risk of “Retinal detachment” in which
retina (most sensitive part of eye) will detach from its wall. One sign of a
retinal detachment is, a sudden increase in flashes or floaters in eyes.
Floaters are just like you’ll feel mosquitos flying in front of your eye. If
you notice a sudden increase in floaters or flashes, you must see an eye
doctor immediately.
A retinal detachment is a medical emergency.
After cataract surgery, gradually you will loose your vision and you feel
that again you have cataract, but don’t worry it is a normal growth of your
eye tissues and it only happens sometime, that eye tissues encloses the
artificial lens(IOL) and the lens becomes cloudy and it blurs your vision.
This condition is called an after-cataract. An after-cataract can
develop months or years after cataract surgery. An after-cataract is treated
with a laser. Your doctor uses a laser to make a tiny hole in the eye tissue
behind the lens to let light pass through this hole. This procedure is
called a “YAG Laser Capsulotomy”. It is painless procedure and doctor
can perform it in room not in operation theatre. When your eye heals, you
may need new glasses.
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Tips for keeping away cataract from your eyes.
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Avoid sunlight exposure and wear sunglasses and hat with a
brim to block ultraviolet rays.
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Include healthy diet in your menu like green leafy vegetable
and fruits.
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If your age is 60 or above you should have detailed eye exam
of your eyes every year.
Remember “World is beautiful,
save your eyes to see the world!”
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