 Ophthalmology
The branch of medicine concerned with the eye
and its diseases
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Direct Healthcare
International Limited offers advanced treatment options and
leading edge technology, with experienced specialists needed
for precision surgical eye care.
We have treated patients from all over the
world, and in all age groups.
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Comprehensive surgical
services include:
- Cornea and External
Disease Surgical treatment of disease or injury to the
front of the eye. Treatments include small incision cataract
surgery, corneal transplants and refractive surgery
- Glaucoma Surgical
management of glaucoma and other disorders that may cause optic
nerve damage by increasing pressure within the eye
- Neuro-Ophthalmology
Surgical services for diseases of the optic nerve, visual pathways,
eye movements and pupils, often the result of head trauma, brain
tumors, strokes or other neurological disorders
- Ocular Oncology.
Therapeutic and surgical techniques used to remove tumors on the
inside of the eye and the surrounding areas
- Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery
Upper facial reconstructive procedures following trauma or tumors,
as well as cosmetic procedures for the eyelid and surrounding
area of the eye
- Pediatric Ophthalmology
Surgical treatment of children’s eye disorders including
strabismus (crossed eyes), amblyopia (lazy eyes), and genetic
and developmental abnormalities
- Retina and Vitreous
Surgery Surgery to correct diseases such as diabetic retinopathy
and degenerative disease, as well as retinal tears or detachments
Cataract
Surgery
What is a cataract
A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens
of the eye. It can be compared to a window that is frosted or yellowed.
Misconceptions
about cataract
Cataract is not:
- caused by overusing the eyes;
- spread from one eye to the other;
- a cause of irreversible blindness.
Common symptoms of cataract
include:
- a painless blurring of vision;
- glare, or light sensitivity;
- double vision in one eye;
- needing brighter light to read;
- fading or yellowing of colors.
The amount and pattern of cloudiness within the
lens can vary. If the cloudiness is not near the center of the lens,
you may not be aware that a cataract is present.
What Causes
Cataract?
The most common type of cataract is related to aging
of the eye. Causes of cataract include:
- medical problems, such as diabetes;
- medications, especially steroids;
- long-term, unprotected exposure to sunlight;
How is
a Cataract Detected?
A thorough eye examination by your ophthalmologist
(Eye M.D.) can detect the presence of a cataract, as well as any
other conditions that may be causing blurred vision or other eye
problems.
Problems with other parts of the eye (eg, cornea, retina, optic
nerve) can be responsible for vision loss and may prevent you from
having much or any improvement in vision after cataract surgery.
If improvement in your vision is unlikely, cataract removal may
not be recommended. Your ophthalmologist can tell you how much visual
improvement is likely.
How Fast does a Cataract Develop?
How quickly the cataract develops varies among individuals,
and may even be different between the two eyes. Most age-related
cataracts progress gradually over a period of years.
Other cataracts, especially in younger people and people with diabetes,
may progress rapidly over a short time. It is not possible to predict
exactly how fast cataracts will develop in any given person.
How is Cataract Treated?
Surgery is the only way a cataract can be removed.
However, if symptoms of cataract are not bothering you very much,
surgery may not be needed. Sometimes a simple change in your eyeglass
prescription may be helpful.
There are no medications, dietary supplements or exercises that
have been shown to prevent or cure cataracts.
Protection from excessive sunlight may help slow the progression
of cataracts. Sunglasses that screen out ultraviolet (UV) light
rays or regular eyeglasses with a clear, anti-UV coating offer this
protection.
When should Surgery be Done?
Surgery should be considered when cataracts cause
enough loss of vision to interfere with your daily activities. You
must decide if you can see to do your job and drive safely or, if
you can read and watch TV in comfort. Can you see well enough to
perform daily tasks, such as cooking, shopping, yard work or taking
medications without difficulty?
Based on your symptoms, you and your ophthalmic surgeon should decide
together when surgery is appropriate.
What can I Expect from Cataract
Surgery?
Over 1.4 million people have cataract surgery each
year in the United States, and more than 95% of those surgeries
are performed with no complications.
During cataract surgery, which is usually performed under local
or topical anesthesia as an outpatient procedure, the cloudy lens
is removed from the eye. In most cases, the focusing power of the
natural lens is restored by replacing it with a permanent intraocular
lens implant.
Your ophthalmologist performs this delicate surgery using a microscope,
miniature instruments and other modern technology.
In many people who have cataract surgery, the natural capsule that
supports the intraocular lens becomes cloudy. Laser surgery is used
to open this cloudy capsule, restoring clear vision.
You will have to take eyedrops as your ophthalmologist directs.
Your surgeon will check your eye several times to make sure it is
healing properly.
Cataract surgery is a highly successful procedure. Improved vision
is the result in over 95% of cases, unless there is a problem with
the cornea, retina, optic nerve or other structures. It is important
to understand that complications can occur during or after the surgery,
some severe enough to limit vision. If you experience even the slightest
problem after cataract surgery, your ophthalmologist will want to
hear from you immediately.
Cataracts are a common cause of decreased vision, particularly for
the elderly, but they are treatable. The ophthalmic surgeon can
tell you whether cataract or some other problem is the cause of
your vision loss and can help you decide if cataract surgery is
appropriate for you.
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