CATARACT & CLE
WHAT ARE CATARACTS & CATARACT SURGERY?
A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of your eye. For people who have cataracts, seeing through cloudy lenses is a bit like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. Clouded vision caused by cataracts can make it more difficult to read, drive a car (especially at night).
​Cataracts can be effectively treated through surgery. This procedure involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with a clear artificial lens, restoring clear vision.
SYMPTOMS OF CATARACT
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Blurry Vision: Vision appears cloudy or foggy, akin to looking through a misted window.
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Night Vision Difficulties: Increased challenges with vision in low-light conditions.
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Light Sensitivity and Glare: Lights may seem excessively bright, often causing discomfort.
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Halos Around Lights: Bright lights may have halos around them, reducing clarity.
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Frequent Prescription Changes: More frequent updates to eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions.
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Color Fading: Colors may seem less vibrant and more yellowish.
For Cataract assessment consultation:
CAUSES OF CATARACT
​Cataract can occur due to several factors including but not limited to :
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Aging
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High myopia
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Ultraviolet radiation from sunlight
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Diabetes
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Hypertension
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Obesity
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Prolonged use of corticosteroid medications
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Previous eye surgery
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Smoking
WHAT IS CLE?
Clear Lens Exchange (CLE), also known as Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE), is a surgical procedure similar to cataract surgery. It involves replacing the eye's natural lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to correct refractive errors and improve vision. Unlike cataract surgery, CLE is performed primarily to reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses rather than to remove a cloudy lens.
CLE is typically considered for individuals who:
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Are not ideal candidates for laser vision correction (such as LASIK or PRK) due to high refractive errors or thin corneas.
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Have presbyopia (age-related loss of near vision) and wish to reduce their need for reading glasses.
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Have early-stage cataracts that do not yet significantly impair vision but want to correct other vision issues.
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CLE can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia.
PROCEDURE
​The process of preparing for Cataract and CLE are the same. The procedure is done one eye at a time.
Before the procedure, the doctor will do all the necessary tests and measurements for your eyes and will discuss with you regarding the lenses to be used. The different kinds of lenses include :
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Normal lens : monofocal lens will provide clear vision at one distance (near or distant) and you might still need glasses after the procedure
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Special trifocal /multifocal lens : will correct vision at multiple focal points (near and far), reducing the need for glasses at various distances .
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Special toric lenses : will correct astigmatism
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EDOF : extended depth of focus lens, will correct intermediate distance.
Inform your doctor if you have had any previous injuries or eye operations , and if you are taking any medications.
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SURGERY DAY
Cataract surgery is generally done on an outpatient basis, which means you won't need to stay in a hospital after the surgery. During cataract surgery, the doctor uses local anesthetic to numb the area around your eye, but you usually stay awake during the procedure. You will have to lie down for the surgery and remain still.
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AFTER THE SURGERY​
After surgery you may feel minor discomfort and sensitivity to light.
You will be given sunglasses for protection during the day and an eyeshield at night to prevent night time eye rubbing. The doctor will prescribe eye drops to be used for 4 weeks. Your vision will improve gradually after the procedure.
If prescription glasses are needed after the procedure, they will be prescribed after 4 weeks.
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PRECAUTIONS AFTER THE PROCEDURE
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Avoid strenuous activities , exercise and heavy lifting for few weeks.
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Avoid driving after the procedure until your vision becomes clear
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Follow your doctor’s instructions regarding any antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops
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Stay away from dusty areas.
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Avoid rubbing the eyes for 1 week
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Avoid swimming for 4 weeks
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Avoid using makeup for 4 weeks