What is a cataract?

A cataract is a clouding of the normally crystal lens of the eye. As the "cloudiness" increases, fewer light rays are able to penetrate the lens. Hence, vision becomes increasingly dim.

Cataracts are generally a part of the normal aging process. As you become older, you have reason to suspect the development of cataracts when a change in vision is noticed. Some people complain that ther is a "film" or "fog" over their eye and notice glare in bright light. As the cloudiness increases, vision decreases. This condition cannot be totally corrected with medicine or glasses. If the cataract continues to grow, vision can be completely blocked, causing blindness. Also, when cataracts become dense or advanced they may cause other eye conditions, such as inflammation or glaucoma (elevated fluid pressure in the eye).

When should you have cataract surgery?

Cataract surgery is recommended when you have difficulty performing your daily activities or doing things you enjoy. For the best advice, consult our ophthalmologists.  Advancements in ophthalmic technology have made cataract surgery one of the most successful forms of surgery performed today. Ninety five percent (95%) of the patients who have had cataract surgery enjoy excellent vision.

Is surgery necessary?

Surgery is the only effective treatment for cataracts. It is a relatively painless procedure, which requires only a few hours in the hospital. Cataracts cannot be eliminated by medicine, a change in diet or the use of eye drops. Although laser therapy is used for other forms of eye treatment, lasers cannot remove cataracts. Several surgical techniques are used today in the treatment of cataracts. The most common procedure used during the last 10 years is called EXTRACAPSULAR CATARACT EXTRACTION. This procedure usually involves a 10 mm incision and requires several stitches. A newer form of surgery is called PHACOEMULSIFICATION. Here the nuclear cataract is pulverized with ultrasound and the tiny fragments are suked out of the eye. Hence the incision is smaller and usually requires one or no stitch at all. The recovery period for this type of surgery is faster. The Calamba Eye Center has acquired the latest UNIVERSAL II Phacoemulsifier by Alcon.
In both surgeries, an intraocularlens is inserted during the procedure. The patient therefore would usually require no or corrective spectacles. The aphakic glasses of the past have been laid to rest with these intraocular lenses. Patients are operated on usually awake (by retrobulbar anesthesia) or asleep (by general anesthesia). By either method, patients do not experience any significant pain during the operation or even after.