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for more information, kindly visit http://www.Cataract.com.ph
A cataract is a clouding of the eye's lens that
can cause vision problems. The most common type is related to aging. More
than half of all Americans age 65 and older have a cataract. In the early
stages, stronger lighting and eyeglasses may lessen vision problems caused
by cataracts. At a certain point, however, surgery may be needed to improve
vision. Today, cataract surgery is safe and very effective. |
The lens is the part of the eye that helps
focus light on the retina. The retina is the eye's light-sensitive layer
that sends visual signals to the brain. In a normal eye, light passes through
the lens and gets focused on the retina. To help produce a sharp image, the lens
must remain clear.
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A cataract is a progressive clouding of the eye's
natural lens that hampers with light passing through to the retina. People who
suffer from cataracts usually describe the condition as being similar to looking
through mist, smoke, a cloud, a waterfall, or a piece of wax paper, with a
gradual blurring or dimming of vision.
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More than half of people over the age of 60, and quite
a few younger than that, suffer from cataracts. It is said that everyone will
develop a cataract if they live long enough.
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Reading may become more difficult and driving a car
can actually become dangerous. Cataract sufferers may also be troubled by a
bothersome glare, halos around lights, or even double vision. And as the
cataract becomes worse, frequent changes in eyeglass prescriptions may become
necessary.
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Age-related cataract:
Most cataracts are related to aging.
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Congenital cataract:
Some babies are born with cataracts or develop them
in childhood, often in both eyes. These cataracts may not affect vision. If
they do, they may need to be removed.
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Secondary cataract:
Cataracts are more likely to develop in people who
have certain other health problems, such as diabetes. Also, cataracts are
sometimes linked to steroid use.
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Traumatic cataract:
Cataracts can develop soon after an eye injury, or
years later.
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Currently there is no medical treatment to reverse or
prevent the development of cataracts. Once they form, there is only one way to
achieve clear vision again, and that is to physically remove the cataract from
the eye.
Although we don't know how to protect against
cataracts, people over the age of 60 are at risk for many vision problems. If
you are age 60 or older, you should have an eye examination through dilated
pupils at least every 2 years. This kind of exam allows your eye care
professional to check for signs of age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma,
cataracts, and other vision disorders.
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For an early cataract, vision may improve by using
different eyeglasses, magnifying lenses, or stronger lighting. If these measures
don't help, surgery is the only effective treatment. This treatment involves
removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with a substitute lens.
A cataract needs to be removed only when vision loss
interferes with your everyday activities, such as driving, reading, or watching
TV. You and your eye care professional can
make that decision together. In most cases, waiting until you are ready to have
cataract surgery will not harm your eye. If you decide on surgery, your eye care
professional may refer you to a specialist to remove the cataract. If you have
cataracts in both eyes, the doctor will not remove them both at the same time.
You will need to have each done separately.
Sometimes, a cataract should be removed even if it
doesn't cause problems with your vision. For example, a cataract should be
removed if it prevents examination or treatment of another eye problem, such as
age-related macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy.
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Cataract removal is one of the most common operations
performed in the U.S. today. It is also one of the safest and most effective. In
about 90 percent of cases, people who have cataract surgery have better vision
afterward.
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There are two primary ways to remove a cataract. Your
doctor can explain the differences and help determine which is best for you:
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Phacoemulsification, or phaco.
Phacoemulsification is an advanced technique of cataract extraction. It is
also known as small-incision cataract surgery. Others call it the
"no-needle, no-stitch" technique. After application of a local anesthetic,
your doctor makes a small incision on the side of the cornea, the
clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye. The doctor then
inserts a tiny probe into the eye. This device emits ultrasound waves that
soften and break up the cloudy center of the lens so it can be removed by
suction. Most cataract surgery today is done by phaco. |
Extracapsular surgery. Your doctor
makes a slightly longer incision on the side of the cornea and removes the
hard center of the lens. The remainder of the lens is then removed by
suction.
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Illustrated guide to Phacoemulsification
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After placing topical anesthesia, clear corneal incision is made with a
crystal/diamond keratome. This is usually only 3.0 mm in size. This is a
self-sealing incision which allows a sutureless procedure.
Image by Mark Erickson
Property of JirehDesign.com
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Arguably one of the more delicate steps in the procedure of cataract
removal, continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (CCC) is the careful creation
of a well-controlled tear in the anterior capsule of the cataract.
Image by Mark Erickson
Property of JirehDesign.com
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Ultrasonic vibrations (phacoemulsification) are now created to crush the
cataract into manageable particles which are then aspirated into a port
using the same tip (handpiece).
Image by Mark Erickson
Property of JirehDesign.com
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The
conventional way of approaching the removal of a cataract is by the "divide
and conquer" method. The cataract is rotated and grooving is continued to
create manageable pie shaped segments.
Image by Mark Erickson
Property of JirehDesign.com
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This provides a side view of the actual inclination of the phaco tip (handpiece)
as it proceeds with phacoemulsification of the cataract.
Image by Mark Erickson
Property of JirehDesign.com
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After removal of the tough nuclear component, the softer cortical material
are then aspirated with an irrigation/aspiration (I/A) handpiece. Complete
removal of the cataract lessens the likelihood of developing an "after
cataract" or posterior capsular opacification necessitating a YAG laser
capsulotomy post operatively.
Image by Mark Erickson
Property of JirehDesign.com
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After injection of
viscoelastic material into the capsular bag and the anterior chamber a
foldable intraocular lens is then inserted and unfolded into the eye.
Image by Mark Erickson
Property of JirehDesign.com
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The intraocular lens is
then dialed into place. The remaining viscoelastic material is removed. The
eye is then checked for leaks.
Image by Mark Erickson
Property of JirehDesign.com
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This is the lateral view of the posterior chamber intraocular lens after
cataract surgery.
Image by Mark Erickson
Property of JirehDesign.com
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In most cataract surgeries, the removed lens is
replaced by an intraocular lens (IOL). An IOL is a clear, artificial lens
that requires no care and becomes a permanent part of your eye. With an IOL,
you'll have improved vision because light will be able to pass through it to the
retina. Also, you won't feel or see the new lens. The self-sealing corneal
incision precludes the need for stitches, however, one may receive one or
several stitches in some instances.
Some people cannot have an IOL. They may have problems
during surgery, or maybe they have another eye disease. For these people, a soft
contact lens may be suggested. For others, glasses that provide powerful
magnification may be better.
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A week or two before surgery, your eye care
professional will do some tests. These may include tests to measure the curve of
the cornea and the size and shape of the eye. For patients who will receive an
IOL, this information helps your doctor choose the right type of IOL. Also,
doctors may ask you not to eat or drink anything after midnight the morning of
your surgery.
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When you enter the hospital or clinic, you will be
given eye drops to dilate the pupil. The area around your eye will be washed and
cleansed.
The operation usually lasts less than 1 hour and is
almost painless. Many people choose to stay awake during surgery, while others
may need to be put to sleep for a short time. If you are awake, you will have an
anesthetic to numb the nerves in and around your eye.
After the operation, a patch will be placed over your
eye and you will rest for a while. You will be watched by your medical team to
see if there are any problems, such as bleeding. Most people who have cataract
surgery can go home the same day. Since you will not be able to drive, make sure
you make arrangements for a ride.
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It's normal to feel itching and mild discomfort for a
while after cataract surgery. Some fluid discharge is also common, and your eye
may be sensitive to light and touch. If you have discomfort, your eye care
professional may suggest a pain reliever every 4-6 hours. After 1-2 days, even
moderate discomfort should disappear. In most cases, healing will take about 6
weeks.
After surgery, your doctor will schedule exams to
check on your progress. For a few days after surgery, you may take eyedrops or
pills to help healing and control the pressure inside your eye. Ask your doctor
how to use your medications, when to take them, and what effects they can have.
You will also need to wear an eye shield or eyeglasses to help protect the eye.
Avoid rubbing or pressing on your eye.
Problems after surgery are rare, but they can occur.
These can include infection, bleeding, inflammation (pain, redness, swelling),
loss of vision, or light flashes. With prompt medical attention, these problems
usually can be treated successfully.
When you are home, try not to bend or lift heavy
objects. Bending increases pressure in the eye. You can walk, climb stairs, and
do light household chores.
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You can quickly return to many everyday activities,
but your vision may be blurry. The healing eye needs time to adjust so that it
can focus properly with the other eye, especially if the other eye has a
cataract. Ask your doctor when you can resume driving.
If you just received an IOL, you may notice that
colors are very bright or have a blue tinge. Also, if you've been in bright
sunlight, everything may be reddish for a few hours. If you see these color
tinges, it is because your lens is clear and no longer cloudy. Within a few
months after receiving an IOL, these colors should go away. And when you have
healed, you will probably need new glasses.
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Sometimes a part of the natural lens that is not
removed during cataract surgery becomes cloudy and may blur your vision. This is
called an after-cataract. An after-cataract can develop months or years
later. Unlike a cataract, an after-cataract is treated with a
laser. In a technique called YAG laser capsulotomy, your doctor uses a
laser beam to make a tiny hole in the lens to let light pass through. This is a
painless outpatient procedure.
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There are several ways of reaching the ophthalmologists of EYE REPUBLIC Ophthalmology Clinic:
Hover note: Please place your mouse cursor over the red box
to click on the web and email links. For websites, a new browser
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ONLINE ACCESS
WEBSITES.
http://www.EyeRepublic.com.ph - EYE REPUBLIC
Ophthalmology Clinic
http://www.OCP.com.ph - Ophthalmic
Consultants Philippines Co. -
http://www.LASIK.com.ph - Refractive
Surgery Resource
http://www.Cataract.com.ph - Cataract Surgery Resource
http://www.Eye.com.ph - Eye
Information Online
http://www.EyeDoc4Kids.com.ph - Eye Information for Kids
http://www.Retina.com.ph - Retina
Surgery Resource
http://www.Glaucoma.com.ph - Glaucoma
Online
http://www.Uveitis.com.ph - Uveitis Online
EMAIL. After writing down your comments,
suggestions, problems and/or questions, kindly tell us how
to get in touch with you by providing your name, email,
home/office numbers, and mobile phone.
General inquiries - help@EyeRepublic.com.ph
Refractive Surgery Service - refractive.surgery@EyeRepublic.com.ph
Glaucoma Service - glaucoma@EyeRepublic.com.ph
Cataract Service - cataract@EyeRepublic.com.ph
Doctors - eyemd@EyeRepublic.com.ph
Administrative - president@EyeRepublic.com.ph
Website - webmaster@EyeRepublic.com.ph
Newsletter -
newsletter@EyeRepublic.com.ph (receive
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EYE REPUBLIC
Ophthalmology Atlas
CLINIC INFORMATION
Mobile E-Yellow Pages. Via
SMS, text LUK4 EYEREPUBLIC
(send to 2851 for Globe and Sun Cellular, and 2951 for Smart). |
EYE REPUBLIC Ophthalmology Clinic
Manila
3/F Don Santiago Building Units 309-310
1344 Taft Avenue, Ermita
Manila, 1000 Philippines
Direct and Fax: (632) 536-2398
Trunk Line: (632) 523-8271 to 79 local 30
Mobile: (63917) 899-2020
Map and directions
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EYE REPUBLIC
Ophthalmology Clinic
Asian Hospital
and Medical Center
5/F Medical Office
Building (MOB) Suite 509
2205 Civic Drive,
Filinvest, Alabang
Muntinlupa City,
1781 Philippines
Direct:
(632) 771-9253
Direct and Fax:
(632) 771-9254
Mobile: (63917) 795-2020
Map and Directions
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EYE REPUBLIC Ophthalmology Clinic
Medical City
6/F Medical Arts Tower Inc (MATI) Suite 602
MERALCO Compound, Ortigas Avenue
Pasig City, 1604, Philippines
Direct and Fax: (632) 632-7846
Mobile: (63917) 537-2020
Map and directions
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EYE REPUBLIC
Ophthalmology Clinic
St. Luke's
Medical Center
6/F
Cathedral Heights Building Complex (CHBC)
North Tower Suite 614
279 E. Rodriguez
Sr. Boulevard
Quezon City, 1102
Philippines
Direct and Fax:
(632) 407-3883
Mobile: (63917) 855-2020
Map and directions
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CLINIC HOURS
First-Come, First-Served
Monday to Saturday 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
All clinics are closed on Sundays and Holidays
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CATARACT information compiled by
Dr. Manolette R.
Roque and initially uploaded on May 1, 2005.
Last updated on
September 19, 2007.
Note: Some of the materials here are abridged
from the National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health website.
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