Cataract Awareness Month: Insights From Dr. Parth Joshi On Treatment And Prevention

Cataracts occur when the natural lens in the eye becomes cloudy. This cloudiness increases as we age, due to the normal aging process that everyone experiences. It is a common ailment that affects a large section of the population. We spoke to Dr. Parth Joshi from Aster who gave us important insight into the illness:

As a result, less light can enter the eye, causing blurry vision. Early symptoms of cataracts include glare and halos around lights, especially at night, difficulty reading in dim lighting, sensitivity to bright sunlight, and frequent changes in glasses prescription. When cataracts start to interfere with daily activities, it is the ideal time to consider cataract removal. In the early stages, changing glasses may help manage cataracts, but as they progress, frequent changes in prescription or persistent blurry vision despite new glasses indicate the need for cataract surgery.

In some cases, cataracts can develop at an early age and are not related to aging. These secondary cataracts can be caused by other eye diseases such as uveitis or glaucoma, as well as after retinal surgeries, long-term use of steroids, eye injuries, or exposure to ultraviolet light.

Cataract surgery, known as Phacoemulsification, is a minimally invasive procedure that can be performed under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis. The procedure involves making a small incision of about 2 millimeters in the eye, using ultrasonic power to dissolve the cataract and remove it with a vacuum. A foldable acrylic lens is then implanted through this tiny incision and remains in the eye permanently. Recovery after surgery is usually straightforward, and most people can resume their normal activities within 4-5 days. Recent advancements in cataract surgery allow for customized lens options such as toric lenses, EDOF lenses, and trifocal lenses, which can reduce or eliminate the need for glasses in many activities.

It is important for patients to be aware of the importance of regular eye check-ups and to be particularly vigilant if they have any of the risk factors mentioned above. At Aster Hospital - Mankhool, we are fully equipped to manage all types of cataracts and offer a wide range of lens choices to provide the best possible outcome for our patients.