Cataract
Cataract is the clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye, resulting in blurry vision. The development of cataract is gradual and painless, so patients are usually unaware they have it. However, as the cataract grows, patients may have difficulty recognizing faces, seeing at night or performing daily tasks like reading or driving a car. Others may also experience s glare or have dimmed vision, causing them to need brighter light for reading and doing other activities.
A common cause of blindness in people age 60 and above, cataract can also develop in people who:
- Have a family member with cataract
- Have diabetes
- Have hypertension
- Have had an eye trauma or surgery
- Smoke and drink excessive amounts of alcohol
- Are obese
- Are always exposed to the sun
The only way to remove cataract is through cataract surgery. It involves removing the lens with cataract and replacing it with an artificial lens called intraocular lens (IOL). Cataract surgery is the most common and safest procedure performed today. Due to technological advances, patients can now choose between Conventional Cataract Surgery and Victus Femtolaser Cataract Surgery:
- Conventional Cataract Surgery – A blade or a knife is used to make an incision on the cornea. The capsule is manually opened to access the cataract. A chopper instrument is then used to break the cataract.
- Victus Femtolaser Cataract Surgery – The Victus Femtolaser is used to create an incision on the cornea, open the capsule to access the cataract and break the cataract. This makes the procedure more precise and ensures patients of better visual outcome. Asian Eye Institute is the only eye care facility in the Philippines with Victus Femtolaser by Bausch and Lomb Technolas of Germany that can be used for both cataract and LASIK surgeries.
Whether the patients chooses the conventional way or the Victus Femtolaser surgery, the removal of the cataract lens and implantation of IOL are done in similar fashion. Since it is an outpatient procedure, cataract patients can go home after the surgery. Recovery period may take three days to two weeks.
A cataract screening is necessary to determine the type and extent of the cataract and examine the overall condition of the eye, if there are other eye complications affecting your sight.
