What Advanced Treatment Options Are Available for Cataracts?

Cataracts, also known as Motiyabind in Hindi, are a leading cause of visual impairment worldwide. This age-related condition affects many people above the age of 50 across the globe. Cataracts typically begin to develop after the age of 50, but they progress slowly over several years, with symptoms appearing only in the later stages. Cataracts occur when proteins in the eye’s lens break down and clump together, leading to symptoms such as blurred vision, double vision, light sensitivity, difficulty seeing in dim light, and altered color perception. The only way to remove the cataracts is through a simple and secure cataract surgery. Cataracts cannot be cured without surgery. Fortunately, improvements in cataract surgery have led to safer and more effective treatments. In this article, we will discuss two advanced cataract surgical procedures: Phacoemulsification (PHACO) and Small Incision Cataract Surgery (SICS). Let’s take a closer look at these techniques.

Cataract surgery is a medical procedure to remove the cloudy lens from the eye, which is caused by cataracts, and replace it with a clear artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL). The surgery is typically performed when cataracts impair vision and affect daily activities.

Small Incision Cataract Surgery (SICS Surgery):

SICS is a commonly used manual method for cataract removal, especially in areas where cost is a significant factor. A small, self-sealing incision is made on the side of the cornea to remove the cloudy natural lens and replace the same with an artificial lens. The procedure is painless and typically does not require stitches.

SICS surgery procedure:

  • The corner area of the cornea is cut with a little incision (6-7 mm)
  • The cataract affected lens is extracted all at once
  • To restore eyesight, an intraocular lens (IOL) is implanted
  • The operated eye is covered with an eye patch immediately after the operation
  • The eye patch is removed the next day, and the patient is provided with dark glasses before discharge from the eye hospital

Advantages of SICS method:

The advantages of Small Incision Cataract Surgery (SICS) include:

  • Cost-effective: SICS is generally more affordable than other advanced techniques like Phacoemulsification (PHACO), making it an ideal option in resource-limited areas.
  • Minimal incision size: The small incision used in SICS typically heals quickly and requires fewer or no stitches, leading to faster recovery times.
  • Suitable for dense cataracts: SICS can be particularly effective for patients with more advanced, dense cataracts that might be difficult to treat with other methods like PHACO.

SICS is a safe and effective cataract treatment, especially in regions where advanced technologies like PHACO are not accessible. Eye surgeons may choose SICS over PHACO if the cataract has become significantly thickened or due to other clinical considerations.

Phacoemulsification (PHACO Surgery):

PHACO is a more advanced and widely used surgical technique that utilizes ultrasound technology to break the cataract into small pieces before removing it through a tiny incision. While PHACO surgery is also painless and stitch-less, it is more expensive compared to the SICS cataract procedure.PHACO surgery procedure:

  • A tiny (2–3 mm) incision is done in the side of cornea using a PHACO machine
  • The cataract is broken up by an ultrasound probe, and the pieces are then suctioned out
  • To restore eyesight, an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) is implanted
  • The operated eye is covered with an eye patch immediately after the surgical procedure
  • The eye patch is removed and the patient is provided with dark glasses before discharge from the eye hospital

Advantages of PHACO method:

  • Minimally invasive: The small incision (2-3 mm) reduces trauma to the eye and speeds up recovery.
  • Discharge on the same day: The patient gets discharged from the hospital on the same day within few hours
  • Quick recovery: Patients typically experience faster healing and can resume normal activities sooner compared to traditional cataract surgery methods.
  • Precision and accuracy: The use of ultrasound technology allows for highly precise cataract removal, resulting in better visual outcomes.
  • Better visual outcomes: PHACO offers high-quality results, with many patients experiencing improved vision post-surgery.
  • Fewer follow-up visits: Because of its precision and minimally invasive nature, PHACO usually requires fewer post-surgical follow-ups compared to other techniques.

Which surgical procedure you should choose?

The choice of surgical procedure is influenced by several factors, including the patient’s eye condition, cataract type, budget, lifestyle, and expectations. The cataract specialist will assess your eye condition and recommend the most suitable lens and surgical approach tailored to your needs and lifestyle. SICS is often preferred by surgeons for patients with mature or dense cataracts, or those with a limited budget. While PHACO is more expensive than SICS, it is favored by many surgeons for its quicker recovery time and superior visual outcomes.

Both PHACO and SICS are effective cataract treatments. PHACO offers a less invasive procedure with a quicker recovery, whereas SICS is a dependable and cost-efficient option. To determine the best treatment for your specific needs, consult with a cataract specialist. Only an experienced eye surgeon can recommend the most suitable cataract surgery based on your eye condition. Don’t delay your surgery—timely treatment can enhance your quality of life and help prevent further vision loss.

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