 Q&A Cataract |
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 How are Cataracts Diagnosed? |
 Your eye doctor will perform a thorough examination of your eyes. Dilation of the eyes is necessary to see the whole lens and to judge to severity of the cataract. The final decision for cataract surgery is made by the patient and depends on how much the decreased vision from the cataract is bothersome.
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| What is Phacoemulsification? |
| The technique of phacoemulsification utilizes a small incision. The tip of the instrument is introduced into the eye through this small incision. Localized high frequency waves are generated through this tip to break the cataract into very minute fragments and pieces, which are then sucked out through the same tip in a controlled manner. A thin 'capsule' or shell is left behind after cleaning up of the entire opaque cataract. |
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| Are there any medications I should stop before the surgery ? |
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One week prior to the surgery, patients must stop taking the following medications: all types of Anti-Coagulation medications, Aspirin, and papillary constrictive medication such as Pilocarpine. The doctor will explain in detail why these medications should be stopped. Patients who have chronic diseases and are on regular medications, such as medication for diabetes, hypertension, and ischemic heart disease, can continue those medications. |
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| Are cataracts found only in older people? |
About half of the population has a cataract by age 65, and nearly everyone over 75 has at least one. But in rare cases, cataracts can be caused by the following
• Abnormal galactose sugar level, a genetic condition
• Virus infections passed from mothers during the first three months of pregnancy
• Trauma such as head injuries or hard blow/foreign body to the eye
• Some eye diseases such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, or corneal infection
• Other diseases such as diabetes
• Continuous steroid treatment
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| I heard that you sometimes it is better to wait a while before having the cataracts removed. Why ? |
| A cataract usually starts very small and practically unnoticeable but grows gradually larger and cloudier. Regular visits to your doctor will allow monitoring of the stage of the cataract. Cataract surgery is a safe procedure but if your cataract is not interfering with your vision, then it may be recommended to wait to a certain stage before you proceed with the procedure. Sometimes it is better to consider weighing the benefits over the risks. You can then discuss and decide with your surgeon whether you are ready to have the cataract surgery. |
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The Eyes and Refractive Errors 
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