Cataract

A cataract is a condition characterized by the clouding or opacification of the eye’s natural lens. This leads to a gradual deterioration of vision, often accompanied by increased sensitivity to glare. In a healthy eye, the lens is transparent, aiding in the precise focusing of incoming light onto the retina at the back of the eye. The retina then transmits these visual signals to the brain, enabling us to perceive our surroundings. However, when a cataract develops, the once-clear lens becomes cloudy, obstructing the passage of light rays onto the retina. Consequently, the image received by the retina appears dim and blurred. Cataracts typically develop gradually, resulting in a slow and progressive decline in visual clarity for most individuals.

Although most cataracts are age-related, there are other types, including congenital (present at birth), drug-induced (steroids), and traumatic (injury to the eye). Cataracts are also more common in people who have certain diseases such as diabetes. If the cataract changes vision so much that it interferes with your daily life, the cataract may need to be removed and replaced with a clear, artificial lens, an intraocular lens (IOL) which is generally a safe, outpatient surgical procedure known as Phacoemulsification. If you do not have the surgery, your vision probably will not improve and may continue to get worse.

Intra Ocular Lens (IOL) Options at KASHMIR EYE HOSPITALS for cataract surgery include:

Monofocal

The most common type of lens used with cataract surgery is called a monofocal IOL which is configured for a single focusing distance. It is set to focus on a close, medium-range or distance vision. Many individuals opt to have their mono-focal IOLs set for sharp distance vision, necessitating the use of eyeglasses for reading or close-up tasks.

Toric IOLs

Toric lenses, designed for individuals with astigmatism, offer improved visual clarity for either near or distant vision compared to non-Toric single-vision IOLs. While Toric lenses enhance sharpness at one of these focal points without the need for glasses, they do not enable simultaneous clear vision at both near and distant ranges.

Aspheric Lens

Most lenses have a spherical surface, which can induce aberrations in vision. Aspheric optics ensure better quality vision and enhanced contrast sensitivity. It also allows better night vision and visibility under low light conditions.

Multifocal IOLs

Multifocal lenses offer the benefit of clear vision at various distances, encompassing both intermediate and reading vision, in addition to distance vision. However, the optical outcomes may not always be flawless, and certain patients may experience less-than-perfect distance and/or reading vision. Other common side effects include halos around lights at night and reduced vision in bright or dim light.