Cataract Surgery

Cataracts

What is a Cataract?

 

We commonly hear of friends and family who have had a cataract procedure done on both their eyes. But what is this procedure all about? A “cataract” is actually a lens in the eye that has become opaque. Yes, a lens like a camera lens. So, one can imagine if the camera lens of your phone is hazy or dirty, the images won’t be clear. It will not help rubbing the eye/camera either because it is the lens that is not clear anymore. In cataract surgery, the lens of the eye is changed for an artificial one.

But how do I know if I have a cataract?

Well most likely, you are reading this because you have either been suspecting or have already been told that you have a cataract. You may still be able to see, drive, work and read if you have a cataract. This is because the lens of the eye like, the camera is only opaque or hazy and only at a later point in life, does it become completely opaque and the vision deteriorates significantly.

The most common early signs of cataracts in the eye are:

• Cloudy, blurry or dim vision
• Increasing difficulty with night vision
• Sensitivity to light and glare (especially lights from oncoming cars)
• Requiring brighter light for reading
• Seeing “shadows” or “halos” around lights
• Frequent changes in spectacle or contact lens prescription
• Fading of colours
• Double vision in any one eye

 

 

Why is it done? Can I not just live with it forever?

If a cataract makes it difficult for you to carry out your normal activities, cataract surgery is recommended. You do not have to stop driving at night or limit your working hours because of your vision. The procedure is generally quick, easy, not painful and uneventful.

Sometimes, this opaque lens in the eye may interfere with the Doctor monitoring the back of the eye (retina) for other pathologies such as Age-related Macular Degeneration or Diabetic Retinopathy. Then cataract surgery may be recommended.

However, if you are still unsure, waiting to have cataract surgery won’t harm your eye in most cases. You do have time to consider your options. If your vision is still quite good, you may not need cataract surgery for many years, if ever.

 

But what are the Risks?

Complications are uncommon, and most can be treated successfully with good outcomes.

Cataract surgery risks include:

• Inflammation
• Infection
• Bleeding
• Swelling
• Drooping eyelid
• Dislocation of artificial lens
• Retinal detachment
• Glaucoma
• Macula Edema
• Secondary cataract
• Loss of vision

Your risk of complications is greater if you have another eye disease or a serious medical condition. Occasionally, cataract surgery fails to improve vision because of underlying eye damage from other conditions, such as glaucoma or macular degeneration. If possible, it may be beneficial to evaluate and treat other eye problems before making the decision to have cataract surgery.

Ok I’m going for it. How do I prepare?

Contact any member of our team at 0124926659 and make an appointment to see the specialist.

Authorization Process and Payments

The secretary will normally go through the hassles of speaking to your medical aid and getting authorization for an in-hospital procedure. Most medical aids will pay for the procedure in full. It is regarded as a prescribed minimum benefit.

Although the team try their utmost in assisting with dealing with the medical aids, the final responsibility of payment still rests with the patient. Please call the medical aid prior to the operation to make sure that the authorization has been sought and if there are any other payments.

Food and medications

You may eat and drink prior to the operation unless instructed otherwise. However, please only have light snacks prior to surgery. Dr Gani may also advise you to temporarily stop taking any medication that could increase your risk of bleeding during the procedure. If you are on ANY blood thinner medication, or if you take any medications for prostate problems, please inform the team again 1(one) week prior to the operation. Please take your blood pressure and other medications on the day of surgery.

Other precautions

Normally you may go home on the same day as your surgery, but you won’t be able to drive, so make necessary transport arrangments. Also arrange for help while you at home, if necessary, because your doctor may limit activities, such as bending and lifting, for about a week after your surgery.

What to expect when expecting an operation?

 

Before the procedure

When the cataract lens in your eye is removed, an artificial lens is placed in your eye. The measurements for this lens and the various options will be discussed by Dr Gani by prior to the Surgery

Some of the types of lenses available include:

• Fixed-focus monofocal. This type of lens has a single focus strength for distance vision. Reading will generally require the use of reading glasses.
• Multi-Focal Lenses These lenses are similar to glasses with bifocal or progressive lenses. Different areas of the lens have different focusing strengths, allowing for near, medium and far vision. Some patients may complain of a halo around lights noticed especially in the evenings. There may also be an extra cost involved. The advantages are spectacle free for most distances. This cannot be guaranteed though as every patient has different needs.
• Astigmatism correction (toric) If you have a significant astigmatism, a toric lens may be advised.

The “Operation”

Cataract surgery is usually an outpatient procedure and takes an hour or less to perform. Your total time in theatre is normally a few hours which includes confirming benefits with the medical aids, preparing you for the operation, the anesthetic pre assessment, the operation itself, and making sure you fine after.

You will receive an anesthetic to numb the area of the operation, and you may be given a sedative to help you relax. If you are given a sedative, you may remain awake, but groggy, during surgery.

When the cataract lens in your eye is removed, an artificial lens is placed in your eye. You won’t be able to see or feel the lens. It requires no care and becomes a permanent part of your eye.

The experience is normally painless and pleasant.

After the procedure

After cataract surgery, expect your vision to begin improving within a few days. Your vision may be blurry at first as your eye heals and adjusts.

Colors may seem brighter after your surgery because you are looking through a new, clear lens. A cataract is usually yellow- or brown-tinted before surgery, muting the look of colors.

You will usually see Dr Gani a day or two after your surgery and thereafter at 1 week after surgery. It’s normal to feel itching and mild discomfort for a couple of days after surgery. Avoid rubbing or pushing on your eye.

After the procedure, you will be given a prescription (TTO) to get from your local pharmacy. The medications are used to prevent infections and fight inflammation (discomfort) in your eye. After a couple of days, most of the discomfort should disappear. Often, complete healing occurs within six – eight weeks.

 

We are best friends! Call us if you experience any of the following:

• Vision loss
• Pain that persists despite the use of over-the-counter pain medications
• Increased eye redness
• Eyelid swelling
• Light flashes or multiple new spots (floaters) in front of your eye

When can I get spectacles?

Most people need glasses, at least some of the time, after cataract surgery. Six to Eight weeks after your operation, you can get your final prescription for your new look.

If you have cataracts in both eyes, Dr Gani usually advises on the second eye surgery. Remember your vision changes after cataract surgery, so it is advised not to get any new spectacles till both your eyes are operated.

 

Can the cataract return?

Cataract surgery successfully restores vision in majority of people who have had the procedure. People who have had cataract surgery may develop a secondary cataract. The medical term for this common complication is known as posterior capsule opacification (PCO). This happens when the back of the lens capsule becomes cloudy and impairs your vision.

PCO is treated with a painless, five-minute outpatient procedure with a laser machine. The medical aid usually covers this procedure as a prescribed minimum benefit.