Cataract

Dr Siva Kumar Wurthy | Best Cataract Surgeon in Hyderabad

What is a cataract, and when should you get surgery?

A cataract occurs when the lens in the eye, which is transparent at birth, becomes cloudy, leading to blurring of vision. In this blog, we will explain what a cataract is, what symptoms may indicate the presence of a cataract, and when is the right time to get operated on. We will also share the insights of Dr Siva Kumar Wurity, who is a highly proficient and immensely experienced eye specialist in Hyderabad, having performed more than 40,000 successful cataract surgeries.

What is a cataract?

The eye has a natural lens that lies behind the iris and the pupil. It allows light rays to pass through it and helps them focus onto the retina. The retina consists of nerves that carry these signals to the brain. The brain interprets these signals and gives the sense of sight. When the proteins in the lens clump together, the lens loses its natural transparency. When the naturally transparent lens becomes foggy, the light cannot be focused on the retina properly, as a result of which the brain interprets the signals subnormally, resulting in subnormal vision. Imagine a crystal clear transparent window in our house, when it becomes foggy, the world we see through it becomes dull and blurred, similar difficulties in vision occur when a cataract develops.

Types of Cataracts

• Congenital or developmental Cataracts – the ones that are present since birth or early childhood
• Acquired Cataracts – the cataract that develops due to various causes later in life
  1. Nuclear Cataracts
  2. Cortical Cataract
  3. Posterior Subcapsular Cataracts

Senile cataract is a type of acquired cataract and is the most common type of cataract. It develops due to age-related natural changes in the lens as we age.

What are the symptoms of cataract?

Early symptoms may be subtle and can be missed or ignored by many patients. Symptoms include :

• Blurring of vision
• Frequent changes in glasses prescription
• Dullness or fading of colors or yellow-tinted vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Glare
• Difficulty seeing in dim illumination or at night
• Viewing multiple images of a single object.

The patient may have one or many of these symptoms.

When should you get cataract surgery?

Cataracts tend to interfere with daily activities like driving, reading, and watching T,V depending on the grade and severity of cataract, the visual needs, and the level of activity of the patient. Dr Siva Wurity recommends that surgery be considered when:

• Blurring of vision impacts one’s quality of life and the functional independence
• When basic and instrumental activities are difficult, like reading, driving, recognizing faces, or performing routine tasks safely
• Other eye conditions are being aggravated and need surgical intervention.

Rarely does it become an emergency when complications arise that threaten the vision or eye health. Otherwise, cataract surgery is a major elective surgery that can be planned according to individual needs.

What are the types of cataract surgery?

There are mainly three types of cataract surgery:

• Phacoemulsification: This is the most common method employed in cataract surgery, in which ultrasound waves are used to break the cataract and remove it through a small incision of size 2.5 mm, followed by implantation of an artificial lens.
• Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS): FLACS is a technology-assisted, more advanced method of cataract surgery in which a femtosecond laser is used in several important steps of cataract surgery. This helps in reducing complications and promotes speedy recovery.
• Extracapsular Cataract Extraction: This is a majorly outdated method of cataract surgery, in which the cataract is removed in one piece through a large incision, typically reserved for very advanced cataracts, with the disadvantages of long recovery time and possible need of glasses for clear vision for both distance and near.

Is Cataract surgery safe?

Yes, cataract surgery is very safe. It is one of the safest and most common eye surgeries performed with a high success rate. The risks are minimal, and it is also generally a painless surgery. Patients usually regain vision within days.

Why choose Dr Siva Wurity?

• 17 years in the field indicate his vast experience.
• Having performed more than 40000 surgeries shows his expertise.
• Providing expert care at multiple locations in Hyderabad suggests flexibility and accessibility.
• Proficient in the latest and advanced surgical technology reflects a strong commitment to giving patients the best results.

Tips for recovery :

• Strictly avoid rubbing of eyes.
• Use all medications as prescribed.
• Maintain hygiene by cleaning the eyelids gently with wet wipes or a clean cloth.
• Wear protective glasses or an eye shield to avoid dust and water from getting into the eye, and also avoid accidental injury to the eye.
• Review for your scheduled follow-up appointments as advised.
• Report immediately if you experience pain, sudden blurring of vision, increased redness, or discharge of the eye.

If you or a loved one is experiencing any of the symptoms of cataract, do not delay and book your consultation with Dr Siva Wurity, one of the most trusted experts for cataract surgery in Hyderabad.

FAQs:

How long does cataract surgery take?

Usually 15-20 minutes per eye

How long is the recovery?

Most patients regain vision within the first postoperative week. However, topical medications are required to be used for 4-6 weeks after surgery.

Get safe, painless cataract surgery in Hyderabad with Dr. Siva Wurity. Learn symptoms, treatments & recovery options – Book your consultation today!