Category Archives: Cataract Surgery

Diabetes is a growing systemic disease, and many patients undergoing cataract surgery also have diabetic eye disease. Modern cataract surgery can restore excellent vision and correct myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism in otherwise healthy eyes. However, if there is coexisting diabetic eye disease, cataract surgery may place additional strain on the eye, leading to macular edema, progressive retinopathy, and limited vision.

Although you can still achieve excellent results from cataract surgery in diabetic patients, these patients are at a higher risk of complications and subsequent vision loss. Diabetic patients can achieve near-perfect vision after cataract surgery with careful preoperative planning. And with attention to detail during phacoemulsification and close postoperative supervision.

Today, you will learn more about how diabetes affects your eyes and how cataract surgery works on diabetic patients. Here’s a detailed account of the subject and why you should consider all factors before opting for eye surgery. Moreover, comprehensive consultation with your doctor can change your understanding and give you a better perspective.

What Is Diabetic Cataract?

Diabetes is a significant contributor to the development of cataracts. Although the reasons for this are still unknown, according to some studies, people with diabetes mellitus have a 60% increased risk of developing cataracts. Maintaining proper control of your blood sugar levels, as with most diabetes complications, will help to reduce your risk.

Furthermore, research indicates that people with type 2 diabetes who significantly reduce their HbA1c level by just 1% minimize their risk of cataracts by 19%.

Cataract treatment has come a long way in recent years. Surgery is frequently recommended, with the lens being removed and replaced with an artificial one. Cataract surgery is widely recommended and performed regularly.

Why Do Diabetics Get Cataracts?

Diabetes affects your body in several ways. Therefore, it can have an impact on your eyes as well. Individuals with diabetes are not only more prone to developing cataracts, but they are also much more likely to develop them at a younger age and to progress more quickly than people without diabetes.

The aqueous humor, the fluid that fills the front of the eye, provides oxygen and glucose to the lens of your eye. If you do not control your glucose levels, such as a diabetic patient, the sugar levels can rise, causing the lens to swell. As a result, your glasses prescription may change. Furthermore, the lens contains an enzyme that converts glucose to sorbitol. Sorbitol accumulation in the lens can harm cells and other proteins, making the lens more opaque.

So, if you have diabetes, you should get your eyes checked at the earliest to avoid any uncalled-for surprises in the future.

Can Diabetes Affect Your Eyes?

The straight answer is yes! Diabetes or high blood sugar can harm your eyes, leading to several eye conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, blurry vision, or retinopathy. If you have diabetes at a younger age, it can give rise to problems in the future. The only way out for you is to have your eyes checked regularly. So can nip the issue in the bud as and when it arises.

Apart from cataracts, diabetes can cause other eye conditions, such as:

• Glaucoma

Diabetic patients are more likely to develop glaucoma, which can manifest itself in a variety of ways. When fluid does not drain properly, pressure builds up inside your eye. It can cause nerve and blood vessel damage, as well as vision changes.

• Blurry Vision

Don’t go out and buy new glasses the moment you notice that things are blurry. It could be a minor issue caused by high blood sugar. Your lens may swell, impairing your ability to see. To correct it, you must return your blood sugar to the normal range (70-130 milligrams per deciliter, or mg/dL, before meals, and lower than 180 mg/dL 1 to 2 hours after a meal).

• Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy gets caused by damage to the small blood vessels in your retina. It is associated with high blood sugar levels. You could go blind if you do not catch it and treat it right away. The longer you have diabetes, the more likely it is that you will develop it again. You can reduce your chances by keeping your blood sugar under control.

• Cataracts

The natural internal lens of your eye, like a camera, allows you to see and focus on an image. When that lens becomes cloudy, as if it were a smudged window, a cataract has formed. They can happen to anyone, but people with diabetes are more likely to get them and have them worsen faster.

Therefore, if you do not want diabetes to impact your vision adversely, make sure you have your eyes checked regularly and lower your blood sugar levels to avoid any drastic consequences.

Can A Diabetic Patient Have Cataract Surgery?

Every cataract surgery patient has a preoperative evaluation, but diabetic patients can expect a more thorough assessment. There will be a greater emphasis on tests that assess the extent of diabetes-related eye changes. If a cataract patient reports visual problems affecting their quality of life, a doctor will run additional tests. It is to ensure that the cause of vision loss is cataract and not any other.

For instance, diabetic retinopathy affects some diabetic patients, which occurs when high blood sugar levels damage blood vessels in the retina. As a result, a retina specialist may get involved in the evaluation process before cataract surgery. A thorough eye exam may reveal other pathologies, in which case the doctor may consider a treatment plan before cataract surgery.

That said, a diabetic patient can have cataract surgery but with extra tests and evaluations to minimize risks during the process.

Is Cataract a Complication Of Diabetes?

Yes, diabetes can cause cataracts, and their removal may enhance your blurred vision. However, due to other complications, cataract removal may get slightly unmanageable. Essentially, you will find a two-fold impact of cataracts.

• Due to the weak view of the retina, laser and intravitreal injections may become impossible. They treat diabetic visual complications such as diabetic retinopathy or maculopathy. Without treatment, these conditions can worsen to the point where potential vision is so poor that cataract removal will not improve vision.
• Cataract-related vision loss complicates the timely administration of blood glucose-controlling medication (blood sugar). It is especially true for those who must use insulin injections.

Unfortunately, cataracts tend to develop early in diabetics and progress quickly if blood sugar control is poor. It is most likely due to osmotic changes occurring within the lens, typically resulting in cortical or posterior subcapsular lens opacities.

Is Cataract Surgery Safe For Diabetics?

When evaluating cataract patients who also have diabetes, doctors must consider several factors. The first of which is how well diabetes gets controlled. If your blood glucose levels are too high, your doctor may advise you to postpone surgery as it may not be safe to perform.

Cataracts develop at a younger age in diabetics, and it may be preferable in some cases to perform cataract surgery at an earlier stage in cataract development to reduce the risk of complications. Cataract surgery can cause diabetic retinopathy to progress, but in eyes with minimal diabetic changes, cataract surgery is less likely to cause this progression. As a result, you may get advised on surgery at an earlier stage.

Cataract surgery entails removing the eye’s natural lens and replacing it with an artificial lens, known as an intraocular lens or IOL. Doctors avoid certain types of IOLs in diabetic patients in some cases. Diabetic patients will be able to discuss IOL options with a qualified eye doctor.

Read more: How to Choose Best Hospital for Cataract Surgery in India?

What Is The Best Treatment For Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy may or may not threaten your vision. However, if it does, seeking an expert ophthalmologist’s help will do wonders in keeping your eyes in check. When it comes to treating diabetic retinopathy, if it affects your sight in any way, the following treatments will work in your favor (after consulting your eye doctor, of course):

• Laser Treatment – It is used to treat the growth of new blood vessels at the back of the eye (retina). It is in cases of proliferative diabetic retinopathy and to stabilize some cases of maculopathy
• Eye Injections – They are used to treat severe maculopathy threatening your eyesight
• Eye Surgery – It helps remove blood or scar tissue from the eye if laser treatment does not yield proper results because retinopathy is too advanced

Following the procedure, you will most likely have blurred vision. It should gradually improve, though it may take several months for your eyesight to return to normal. During your recovery, your surgeon will advise you on any activities you should avoid.

Can Diabetics Do Cataract Eye Surgery?

Almost everyone eventually develops age-related cataracts. More than half of people over 65 years of age have a cataract, and the prevalence rises with each decade of life. Since diabetes has become more common, many diabetic patients seeking cataract surgery question if doctors can h3restore vision loss due to cataracts.

Although there may be an increased risk of complications and some limitations, diabetic patients can benefit from cataract surgery. The doctor will go over the evaluation process with you, discuss the factors to consider, and assist you in your recovery from surgery.

Can Type 1 Diabetics Get Cataract Eye Surgery?

The risks associated with cataract eye surgery for Type 1 diabetes patients remain plenty. However, with careful evaluation and procedural follow-up, you can get it done. Initial tests and assessments will give an insight into the condition of your eye and help your doctor create a treatment plan for you.

Depending on the extent to which your eye has been affected, your ophthalmologist will recommend the necessary treatment. If cataract removal through laser, injections, or surgery is possible, your eye doctor will proceed with the same.

Can Type 2 Diabetics Get Cataract Eye Surgery?

Since you can improve your blood sugar levels in case of Type 2 diabetes, some lifestyle changes or modifications will work in your favor. Especially in the case of cataract eye surgery, it can help. Sometimes, cloudy vision problems can get solved with cataract surgery, while at other times, your eye doctor may recommend a different treatment. However, if you have Type 2 diabetes, you can get cataract eye surgery if the doctor prescribes it.

Remember, high blood sugar can lead to several eye conditions, including cataracts. However, the treatment may not necessarily entail eye surgery. Therefore, it deems essential that you consult a certified and qualified ophthalmologist with years of experience in the field to assist you.

How Effective Is Laser Treatment For Diabetic Retinopathy?

In the advanced stages of diabetic retinopathy, laser treatment gets used to treat new blood vessels at the back of the eyes. It gets done because the new blood vessels are usually weak and frequently cause eye bleeding. Treatment can help stabilize the changes in your eyes caused by diabetes and prevent your vision from deteriorating, but it will not usually improve your vision.

Laser treatment involves shining a laser into your eyes, and you will be given local anesthetic drops to numb your eyes. Doctors use eye drops to widen your pupils and special contact lenses to hold your eyelids open and focus the laser onto your retina. The process isn’t usually painful. However, you may feel a prickly sensation when specific areas of your eye get treated.

The entire procedure takes around 20-40 minutes usually and gets carried out on an outpatient basis. In the coming days, you may require to visit your eye doctor more than once to make sure the procedure went well.

Factors To Consider For Diabetic Patients Contemplating Cataract Surgery

When evaluating cataract patients with diabetes, your ophthalmologist will have many factors to consider, such as:

• Diabetes control
• Delaying surgery in case of high blood glucose levels
• Performing cataract surgery early to reduce risks of complications

Cataract surgery involves the removal of the natural lens of your eyes. It gets replaced with an artificial lens – intraocular lens or IOL. In specific cases, the eye doctor may have to avoid some types of IOLs in patients who have diabetes. You can discuss your IOL options, if you have diabetes, with a qualified eye doctor.

Cataract Surgery Recovery For Diabetic Patients

Diabetic patients who have cataract surgery may require more supervision and evaluation afterward. To prevent and treat fluid buildup (macular edema) and swelling or inflammation, you may get prescribed topical steroids and anti-inflammatory drugs. Diabetes patients are more likely to develop a condition known as posterior capsule opacification, also known as a “secondary cataract.” Although not a cataract, this condition can give you an impression that the cataract has returned; however, it is usually treatable with a routine outpatient laser procedure.

Even though having diabetes presents unique challenges and may result in a more prolonged recovery time, thorough pre-and post-treatment can lead to good cataract surgery results.

Conclusion

Diabetes can lead to several challenges, and cataract surgery may just become one of them. However, if you follow a proper preoperative and postoperative course, you can deal with these tests with gumption. While the difficulties may seem plenty, a significant part of your surgery and recovery will only get based on your ophthalmologist’s diagnosis and treatment.

Moreover, consider your daily actions and how they might affect your recovery. In the first few days after your cataract surgery, your eye needs extra care and precautions, and eventually, the rest will fall into place.

Remember only to reach out to the most advanced eye-care hospitals and clinics for your cataract surgery if you have diabetes or even otherwise. The experts at Dada Laser Eye Institute will guide you through the entire process. The doctors explain the risks involved and share their knowledge about cataracts before and after your treatment. You can get in touch with the experts and get proper consultation by giving us a call at (+91) 992 299 5549 or visit https://ladilaservision.com/ to fill out a form.

 

Your health and wellbeing take precedence over everything else. And, when it comes to eye care, you cannot go wrong. The reason being, that your vision allows you to perform your daily tasks with ease, and you cannot compromise on its health. Therefore, if you have to opt for eye surgery, you have to choose the best hospital and the right person to do the job.

That said, several factors need consideration before you pick a hospital. If you opt for cataract surgery, whether it’s due to age or other aspects, you need an expert handling your case. Moreover, the treatment gets determined by the degree of visual impairment. Regular check-ups and keeping an eye out for any symptoms may save you from treatment if the cataract has only had a minor impact on your eyes.

Whatever the case, you need to make sure that your eye condition remains stable at all times and you receive the treatment you need without any hassles. For that to happen, you need to select the right hospital to get your cataract surgery.

What Is a Cataract Surgery?

Cataract surgery usually takes less than 15 minutes and is done under local anesthesia, making it nearly painless. While the procedure itself is relatively quick, it may take some time for your eyes to adjust to the synthetic lens used to replace your natural lens in the days or even weeks following surgery.

While you have to adhere to specific instructions post-surgery, you can rest assured that it will be successful. But, its success remains in your hands. Apart from following the instruction guide after cataract surgery, the preparation beforehand also deems necessary.

Today, in this article, you will learn why and how you can choose the best hospital for cataract surgery in India. These factors, too, determine the surgery’s success and aid you in the recovery process.

Does Cataract Surgery Require Hospitalization?

Cataract surgery removes the cloudy lens inside your eye and replaces it with an artificial lens (called an intraocular lens, or IOL) to restore clear vision. The procedure is usually done as an outpatient and does not necessitate an overnight stay in a hospital or other care facility. The majority of modern cataract procedures involve using a high-frequency ultrasound device to break up the cloudy lens into small pieces, which are then gently suctioned out of the eye.

This procedure is conducted with tiny incisions than past surgical techniques for cataract removal, resulting in faster healing and a lower risk of cataract surgery complications such as retinal detachment.

The Checklist to Choose The Best Hospital For Cataract Eye Surgery

As mentioned earlier, even the hospital you choose determines the success of your cataract surgery. Therefore, the following checklist will do wonders to help you pick out the right healthcare center for your eye surgery. If you consider all of these aspects beforehand, it will make the surgical process a smooth one. It will also minimize risks (if any).

When you account for the advancement in eye care technology, you will find a pool of hospitals and healthcare centers that offer top-of-the-line treatment and medical equipment. Moreover, the ophthalmologists associated with these hospitals usually have years of experience. Their expertise can put you at ease.

Let’s now get to the checklist to help you pick the perfect hospital for your cataract eye surgery in India:

• Surgeon Experience

Check to see if the eye surgeon has enough experience. Going to a novice doctor’s clinic is pointless because they will bill you the same as experienced doctors but do not provide the same quality. Experienced surgeons are well-versed in the most recent technologies and have had ample hands-on experience with modern tools. Consult an ophthalmologist with at least 20 years of experience.

• Reputation

Some eye patients may believe that a doctor’s reputation is unimportant. But it is essential when it comes to treatment. Check a doctor’s qualifications, registrations, and success rate before scheduling an appointment. If you’re having trouble getting around, go online and look at a few websites. You will learn everything there is to know about an eye surgeon. Also, if possible, look up an eye doctor’s online ratings and reviews. So you don’t end up with a specialist with a tarnished reputation.

• Technology Used

Using cutting-edge technology to promote safety and accuracy in various eye surgeries, including cataract surgery, is essential these days. Consult your friends if they are sure about a particular eye specialist who performs surgery using updated and advanced medical technology. If you are unsure whether an eye specialist has all of the necessary tools, you can find out by visiting their website for more information.

• Cataract Surgery Cost in India

Cost is an important consideration when making any decision. But you should know not to cut corners in your cataract treatment. The cost varies depending on the ophthalmologist you consult and the location. Remember that your safety and the accuracy of the procedure are the most important considerations. An expert eye surgeon, skills, technology, and modern equipment should not cost you an extravagant amount.

• Patient Benefits

You can be confident that you will never have cloudy vision again if you have cataract surgery. Although cataract treatment changes with each advancement in technology, the procedure remains the same even today. However, now that you have new lenses to choose from, doctors have an extensive range of options that may work well for a specific patient. Whether you pick out the lens or rely on your ophthalmologist, choose one that works very well for you.

• Friendly or Family Recommendations

If you get recommendations from friends and family members, they are always welcome. Many people are aware of cataract treatment because it is an essential eye treatment. You can inquire about a specific doctor, their experience, whether they use cutting-edge technology, whether their clinic is easily accessible and much more. If you find their responses convincing enough, take the plunge.

• Financing Options

Many eye clinics offer to finance. You can check online to see if a specific eye clinic has this provision or not. You can also inquire with your insurance company to see if they will cover the entire cost of your cataract treatment. If that is not the case, you can consider opening a Flexible Spending Account (FSA). The funds in your FSA can be withdrawn tax-free and used for such purposes – as cataract treatment.

• Location Advantages

Check to see if the clinic for your cataract surgery is close by and not too far off. If the hospital is far away, it can get hard. You will need to bring a friend or family member with you during the procedure. So, for your convenience, choose eye clinics or hospitals that are close to your home. Furthermore, the price may differ from one city to the next. As a result, location is also an essential factor in the cost calculation.

• Testimonials from Previous/Current Patients

Testimonials from previous or current patients for the eye surgeon can help you decide whether they’re the right fit for you. Testimonials ensure that an ophthalmologist is effective in treating their patients. You can find these testimonials on their website, social media platforms, or other channels. Don’t forget to check each of them, and once you’re confident that the testimonials are genuine, you can schedule an appointment with the eye doctor.

• Surgeon Commitment

If you want the procedure to go smoothly, the surgeon’s commitment is required. Check to see if the appointed ophthalmologist has any government or non-governmental organization accreditation or awards. In this case, your friends, family members, and the internet can be very beneficial. You can visit their website and read through each page to determine whether or not the surgeon understands the extent of their work and is committed to surgery.

• Average Recovery Time

Many people report that they have clear vision within a few hours of having cataract surgery. However, everyone heals differently, so it could be a week or two until you see images in their sharpest focus. The day after the procedure, your scheduled follow-up consultation with your cataract surgeon will help you understand your progress. It ensures that no complications arise.

• Infrastructure

During the procedure, infrastructure plays an important role. You can check if a particular eye clinic has all of the necessary amenities and equipment and that their staff members are friendly and candid. You can also find out if the eye clinic has a dark room for post-surgery patients. If an eye clinic meets all of the above requirements, you can go ahead with your cataract surgery here.

• Comprehensive Eye Care

You should ideally seek an eye surgeon who has vast knowledge and experience in ophthalmology. They should not remain skilled in a single type of surgery but also cataracts and other eye surgeries. It ensures that a doctor is well-versed in all surgical procedures and has extensive experience in ophthalmology.

Conclusion

Your ultimate goal is to get the correct treatment for your eyes. Selecting the best hospital offers you the conviction to go for cataract surgery and emerge successfully. Therefore, in such a case, the experience and expertise of your ophthalmologist matter. Additionally, the up-to-date infrastructure and technology can ease the process and minimize any risks associated with cataract surgery. That’s why it deems essential that you pick an eye hospital or clinic that adheres to all the pointers in the checklist and makes it simpler for you.

Remember only to reach out to the most advanced eye-care hospitals and clinics for your cataract surgery. The experts at Dada Laser Eye Institute in Pune will guide you through the entire process. The doctors explain the risks involved and share their knowledge about cataracts before and after your treatment. You can get in touch with the experts and get proper consultation by giving us a call at (+91) 992 299 5549 or visit https://ladilaservision.com/ to fill out a form.

What is a Lens?

As a commoner, when you hear about lenses, you think of those used as an alternative to eyeglasses. But, when it comes to eye lenses, their design is such that it both accepts and bends light. These particles of light then get pushed to the back of your eyes, where the brain converts them into images. However, when factors like age and underlying health issues come to the fore, your eye lens can get cloudy and blurred. Thus, calling for the need for corrective eyewear or surgery.

When it comes to cataract surgery, the ophthalmologist places another lens inside your eyes to sharpen the particles of light as they pass through. You will find most eye doctors using silicone or acrylic lenses for cataracts. They get coated with protective material to shield your eyes from the damage caused by harmful sun rays.

Today, you will learn more about the different lenses and the ones best suited for cataracts.

Best Lens for Your Cataract Surgery

How can you decide the best lens for you? Firstly, an expert opinion on the subject matters as it concerns your eyes and your vision. Secondly, with multiple options available, you can choose a lens that’s best-suited for your eyes. While your eye doctor may suggest the right kind of lens for you, the decision remains personal, and what you need from the eye surgery matters in this case.

You will come across four types of lenses used in cataract – monofocal, multifocal, accommodative, toric – designed to make your eyesight sharper and less blurred. Here, you can take a comprehensive look at all of them.

1. Monofocal Lens – It is the most common lens used in cataracts. The primary purpose of the monofocal lens is to give you crisper, clearer vision at a predetermined distance range. Therefore, if you need to look closer or farther away from this set distance, you might need your eyeglasses.

In some cases, people who have opted for monofocal lenses can read, knit, or work on a computer without the help of glasses. However, when they need to watch things at a distance, they need to wear their glasses.

2. Multifocal Lens – In your life, you will find some people who willingly wear glasses if the need arises. However, you will also find people opposed to the idea of depending on any corrective eyewear to help them see clearly. In the latter, the multifocal lens proves beneficial and has appeal too.

A multifocal lens has zones of focus. When your eyes get familiar with these lenses, the brain learns to select the clear-cut vision automatically. However, this lens has its challenges, and you need to consult your doctor to know if this is the right kind of lens for you.

3. Accommodative Lens – If you’re uncomfortable wearing glasses or with the idea of using multifocal lenses, this is the perfect option for you. It moves or shifts in shape similar to your natural lenses and allows you to see things clearly, whether they’re near or far away.

However, some researchers suggest that eye exercises enhance the workability of accommodative lenses. So, before you opt for them, check with your doctor if you’re eligible.

4. Toric Lens – In the case of astigmatism, these lenses will work wonders for you. Not unlike an accommodative lens, the toric lens changes shape. But, its design is such that it corrects your specific refractive error.

Some researches and studies suggested that a maximum percentage of people with toric lenses did not feel the need to wear glasses to see clearly at a distance, while others did not need reading glasses.

Conclusion

While the way cataracts get treated nowadays change with every innovation, the procedure remains the same. However, with new lenses to choose from, it gives the eye specialist a range of options that could work well for a particular patient. Whether you pick the lens or trust your ophthalmologist, select one that works well for you.

Remember only to reach out to the most advanced eye-care hospitals and clinics for your cataract. The experts at Dada Laser Eye Institute will guide you through the entire process. The doctors will explain the risks involved, share their knowledge, and make sure you find it comfortable to take the plunge and go through with a cataract. You can get in touch with the experts and get proper consultation by giving us a call at (+91) 992 299 5549 or visit our website.