Cataract

A cloudy patch in the lens of the eye is called a cataract, which if untreated leads to blindness. Eventually, the cataract increases in size and blocks the whole lens. Cataracts may build up over either or both eyes.

The lens in the eye must be clear for the eye to function properly. Clear lens permits light to reach the back of the eye (retina) which enables one to see. In cases of cataract, less light reaches the retina, so the vision is not clear.

Cataracts may be there for quite some time before it gets noticed. Therefore, regular eye tests can detect cataracts early, ideally every two years, though people over 60 years of age may need one every year.

A cataract will continuously develop unless it is surgically removed. A cataract operation is quick and people will be capable of returning to their daily activities 24 hours later.

When Surgery Is Required

If cataract interferes with daily activities, it needs to be removed. Characteristic symptoms are lights dazzling and blurry vision. Surgery could be done at any time. In the old days, a person had to wait till he or she was almost blind, but in recent times surgery is possible in the early stages to prevent conditions like diabetic retinopathy or macular degeneration.

Non-surgical options include brighter lighting, magnifying lens or anti-glare sunglasses, though these will not prevent cataract from growing. If the cataract does not blur the vision, it is not essential to have a surgery right away. A cataract does not harden as it grows, so there is no harm in waiting to have a surgery.

Risks of Cataract Surgery

The risks are low. Complications may occur in about 2% of the cases. Posterior capsule opacification is a condition that could arise if the lens capsule becomes thick and cloudy. This can usually be treated with laser surgery.

Other complications involving cataract surgery could include:
Eye infection.
Bleeding in eye.
Eye inflammation.
Lens capsule tearing.
Cataract dropping in the back part of eye.
Injury to other eye parts.

Complications are mostly treatable; but sometimes, the vision may get worse and permanent eye damage is a possibility, causing blindness, though this is sometimes rare.

Recovery

After the surgery:
The eye will be covered with a piece of tape or pad, which can be taken out after some hours.
Eye drops to prevent infection and help in healing.
Arrange for a person to drop you home as you will be unable to drive.
Sensation will return to eye within few hours and good vision after few days. Complete healing though might take a few months.
Wear a hat or sunglasses when you are leaving the hospital as they will be sensitive at this point in time.

What to do once I come home
Go easy for a couple of days after surgery.
No touching or rubbing the eye.
Keep detergent and soaps away from the eye.
Advisable not to swim for about one week.