Will l get Cataract?
Studies have shown :
10-20% will get Cataract at the age of 55
50% will get Cataract at the age of 65
Are Cataracts found only in older people?
About half of the population has Cataract by age 65, and nearly everyone over 75 has at least one. But in rare cases, infants can have congenital Cataracts. These are usually related to the mother having German measles, chickenpox, or another infectious disease during pregnancy, but sometimes they are inherited.
What causes Cataract?
It is part of the aging process. Prolonged UV light exposure, long term use of medication and certain illnesses like diabetes are also risk factors to the development of Cataracts. In the young, Cataract can be present at birth or develop as a result of injury.
What are the early symptoms?
1. Blurry distance vision, especially at outdoors.
2. Frequent changes in your glasses prescription (increasing shortsightedness or astigmatism).
3. Problems driving at night - streaks or rays of light seeming to come from headlights and stop lights.
4. Problems with glare from lights sources such as lamps or sun.
5. Print appears faded and lacking in contrast.
6. Colors appear faded or exhibit changes in hues; blue may appear to be green and yellow may look white.
7. Double vision.
My doctor says l have to wait until it is “mature” for the surgery, is that correct?
Normally, we suggest our patients to remove the Cataract once it affects the vision. The longer you wait for the treatment, the higher the operation risk is.
When do I need Cataract surgery?
1. I need to drive, but there is too much glare from the sun or headlights.
2. I do not see well enough to do my best at work.
3. I do not see well enough to be independent at home.
4. I do not see well enough to do things l like to do (reading, watching TV, sewing).
5. I bump into objects, and fall frequently.
6. My glasses do not help me see well enough.
Is it painful? Would there be any stitches?
No, the procedure itself is considered to be painless. You will be given anesthetic eye drops. However, you will feel the presence of the eyelid holder to keep your eye open. At VISTA, we do not use any stitches. This is because we perform small incision surgery of 2.2mm incision, which is a further reduced incision from the normal 3.0mm incision.
Can you laser the Cataract?
No, we don’t laser the Cataract. We have to use a technique call phacoemulsification (phaco) or small incision surgery to remove the Cataract.
What are the benefits of phaco?
- Less pain after surgery
- Less infection risk that may lead to blindness
- Faster healing process with patients resuming normal activities the next day
- Better visual results with less risk of induced astigmatism
- Less leakage risk that may lead to infection and blindness
Small incision surgery not only speeds the healing and recovery process but also reduces the risk of possible complications. In traditional surgery, tying the sutures too tightly may create astigmatism or a distortion of vision. The patient may experience blurred vision until natural healing corrects the astigmatism or the sutures are removed. However, if tied too loosely, the incision may leak or rupture.
What is the after treatment care?
Anti-Inflammation and Anti-Infection eye drops will be prescribed to guard against infection and help your eye heal. For a few days, you may need to wear a clear shield when you sleep to prevent rubbing of your eyes.
After the treatment, doctor needs to see you again within 24 hours for an evaluation. You will need to come back for a 1 week and 1 month check up.
Do I have to wear patches over my eyes after the procedure?
No, you will not need to wear patches or bandages.
When can I resume normal activities?
Most patients return to their normal routine activities as early as the next day after the surgery (some take up to about a week). As a safety precaution, you should refrain from contact and water sports for 1 month.
Can I travel by airplane after the surgery?
It is not a problem to travel by airplane after the surgery.
What is the success rate? Can I go blind?
Success rate varies between Cataract centers.
At VISTA, we enjoy a success rate of over 99%. Serious complications from Cataract surgeries are possible but are extremely rare - typically less than 1%. One of the most serious complications is an infection (which may lead to blindness) after the surgery, occurring in about 0.1% of patients.
There are currently no eye drops, vitamins, or medications that can reverse or cure Cataracts. If left untreated, Cataract can lead to blindness.
How do you calculate what lens power to use?
Since each eye is different, prior to the surgery, your eyes will be measured with specialized equipment using light-waves and/or ultra sound in just a few minutes.
At VISTA, we are the 1st Cataract center in Malaysia to use IOL Master for greater lens power accuracy. In some cases, we will use ultrasound A-Scan to double check the accuracy.
What if there is a power failure?
At VISTA, our equipment is equipped with online Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) which is sufficient to finish the procedure without any interruption.
What about my pre-existing eye condition?
If you have other eye problems such as macular degeneration, glaucoma or diabetes, these may limit your vision after surgery. Majority of patients found Cataract surgery to be beneficial even if they have pre-existing conditions.
Bear in mind though, a Cataract surgery only corrects Cataract. However, some people with problems like macular degeneration have achieved better vision after Cataract surgery.
My father had Cataract surgery a few years ago, and he had to wear thick glasses afterward. Is this still necessary?
Nowadays, Cataract patients who have intraocular lenses (IOLs) implanted during surgery may need reading glasses for close vision, but that's about it. In fact, with the newer Multifocal IOLs, even reading glasses are unnecessary. People who don't receive IOLs wear contact lenses for distance vision, with reading glasses for close up. Or they may wear multifocal contact lenses for all distances. Rarely does anyone have to wear thick eyeglasses now.
What is the difference between Monofocal and Multifocal IOLs?
Monofocal IOLs enable you to see distance, but might require a pair of reading glasses for near.
In general, Multifocal IOLs allow the ability to see up close activities like reading, and at distance activities without any glasses.
Will the Cataract ever come back?
No. The Cataract is completely removed except for the fine capsule that supports the man-made lens implant. Therefore, the Cataract can never come back. In a small percentage of people, the microscopic capsule can become slightly hazy while the man-made lens implant stays perfectly clear. This is known as ‘Secondary Cataract’. In this case, a procedure is performed whereby the patient sits in the chair and the vision is then quickly cleared (less than 1 minute) by a laser in a few minutes without even touching the eye.
Will my health insurance cover the Cataract surgery cost?
Yes, in most cases. Please refer to the terms and conditions of your health insurance policy or contact your insurance provider for exact details.
Expectation
Different people heal differently. Consulted objectively, performed accurately and healed perfectly, Cataract surgery is a safe procedure with excellent results. All patients are unique; have a unique healing profile and personal expectations for the procedure. The degree of improvement may vary from individual to individual. Like any other surgery, results cannot always be predicted or guaranteed.
Recovery Process
Over the next 1-3 months, you may experience the following
• Post-op discomfort
• Fluctuation of vision
• Light sensitivity and photophobia
• Temporary corneal haze
• Increase in eye pressure
• Adjustment period
Risks
Patient who chooses to undergo Cataract surgery must understand that like any other surgical procedure, it carries risks including blindness as well. However, worldwide surgeons have regarded Cataract as one of the safer procedure among many surgical procedures. Among the risks are:
Complications associated with surgery:
• Haemorrhage
• Retained pieces of cataract in the eye
• Retina detachment
• Glaucoma
• Posterior capsule rupture
• Loss of corneal clarity
• Infection
• Uncomfortable or painful eye
• Double vision
Complications associated with the IOL:
• Increased night glare and halo
• Double vision
• Dislocation of the lens
At VISTA, as a result of our experience and expertise, coupled with the utilization of the latest technology, this risk is kept at an absolute minimal. Please speak to our doctor for any specific risk regarding your conditions. |
