Patient Information

Cataract is the leading cause of treatable blindness/vision loss around the world. For a person having poor vision because of cataract, the chances of regaining good vision and resuming normal daily activities are excellent.
What is a cataract?
The term ‘cataract’ is used to describe the clouding or haziness of the crystalline, natural lens of the eye. The vision diminishes because the cataract prevents proper light transmission beyond the lens and accurate focusing on the retina.

Common symptoms of a cataract are - Painless blurring of vision, Poor night vision, Needing a brighter light to read, Glare or light sensitivity, Frequent changes in eyeglass prescription, Double vision in one eye, Fading colors.
What causes a cataract?
  • The most common cause is due to aging and referred to as a ‘senile cataract’.
  • Family history ,
  • Medical problems, such as diabetes,
  • Long-term use of medications, such as steroids,
  • Injury to the eye - Cataracts can develop soon after an eye injury, or years later.
  • Congenital, since birth - Some babies are born with cataracts or develop them in childhood, often in both eyes. These cataracts may not affect vision. If they do, they may need to be removed.
  • Previous eye surgery, Long-term unprotected exposure to sunlight
How is a cataract detected?
A thorough eye examination by an eye specialist detects the extent of a cataract. Other conditions particularly problems involving the cornea, retina or the optic nerve that could additionally compromise vision can also be detected.Cataract development varies among individuals and may even vary between the two eyes. Most cataracts associated with the aging process develop over years. Cataracts in younger patients and in those with diabetes may develop more rapidly.
How do you treat a cataract?
Surgery/Operation is the only way a cataract can be treated.. The cataract is dissolved using ultrasound waves from equipment and is medically termed ‘phacoemulsification’.Today’s procedures are quick, not taking more than 15 minutes of surgical time, pain free under topical (only eye drops) or local anesthesia and there are no stitches.

No dietary supplements, medications, exercises or optical devices have been proven to prevent or cure cataract.Surgery should be considered when the cataract causes visual disturbance enough to interfere with daily activities. Based on these needs and the examination findings, the patient and the eye surgeon should decide together when surgery is appropriate. Cataracts need not be mature or ‘ripe’ before removal.
What should you expect from a cataract surgery?
Cataract surgery is a day care, microscopic surgery performed under eye drops anesthesia or local anesthesia. The cloudy lens is removed leaving its covering/capsule behind, within which a permanent, artificial intraocular lens (IOL) is implanted. After cataract surgery, you can return to almost all routine activities in few days time. Medication must be administered as per the instructions of eye surgeon.

Cataract surgery at UDAYA RAVI EYE HOSPITAL-

The entire surgical experience at our centre has been designed to help patients and their families are as comfortable and relaxed as possible. This “patient first, family-friendly” approach is at the heart of the surgical experience.

MICS – Micro Incision Cataract Surgery is a micro-incision technique of cataract surgery involving an incision of sub 2.0 mm through which an ultrasound probe of our MICS compatible LAUREATE, Alcon Inc, phaco machine breaks the cataract into tiny pieces and sucks them out. Traditional key hole procedure PHACOEMULSIFICATION is also possible through 3.0 mm Incision. The foldable lens implant IOL is inserted through the same small incision (2.0 – 3.0 mm) as compared to an approximately 5-6 mm incision to accommodate a non-foldable lens.
Can a cataract be treated with medicines or a laser?
No. Since the cataract occurs within the lens matter of the eye, no medication stops the progress of or treats the cataract. There is no medical or laser treatment for cataract other than replacing this lens with a surgery.
Are there any complications of cataract surgery?
At our centre, we follow the highest standards of healthcare and strict protocols of infection control. We understand your fears regarding an eye surgery, but the risk & chances of surgical complications is more if you decide to wait by not doing cataract surgery when it is required, as the longer you wait the more difficult it becomes to treat the cataract easilyand safely.

See & Enjoy the World - Free From Glasses

Laser vision correction is the Procedure that helps you to get rid off your dependency on glasses. To make an informed decision, we would like to answer some of the questions you may have while considering this procedure

. Laser Assisted Stromal In-situ Keratomileusis [LASIK] is a method of re-shaping the external surface of the eye [the cornea] to correct glasses power(refractive errors - near & Far Sightedness). During the treatment, an instrument called the microkeratome creates a corneal flap to make it a painless procedure. The computerized Excimer laser then uses a cool beam of light to gently reshape the cornea so as to alter its curvature to the desired extent. The flap when replaced on the new corneal curvature allows images to be sharply focused on the retina. The goal is to eliminate or greatly reduce the dependence on glasses or contact lenses.

The treatment is for patients who have a refractive error and meet certain visual and medical criteria. However, only a thorough examination by our LASIK specialist can evaluate whether or not you are medically suited for LASIK.The Pre-op Evaluation process for Laser Vision correctiontakes about 2 hours.Tests include- Detailed eye check-up including refractive error assessment, Topography and Pachymetry.

We are using the most up-to-date and proven techniques and technology to provide optimum results. More importantly, if you qualify as a candidate for LASIK or another type of vision correction, we will recommend the best procedure for your visual needs; if you don’t qualify as a candidate, we’ll tell you that as well.

New generation Excimer lasers and advances in technique offer the highest degree of accuracy and utmost safety. LASIK is a permanent treatment. However, patients who are 40 years and above may require reading glasses. Millions of patients worldwide and thousands in our hands have had an Excimer laser refractive procedure done on them successfully. Apart from LASIK other refractive procedures are Epi-LASIK, Femto-LASIK, Phakic IOL - ICL (Implantable Contact Lens) and refractive Lens Exchange. After complete pre-operative checkups our doctors will suggest appropriate procedure for the person seeking laser vision correction.The latest and most reliable procedure is Wave front-Optimized LASIK, a customized treatment for each eye. Our excimer lasers use high-speed sensitive eye trackers to ensure perfectly centered treatments. We are committed to providing our patients with the best that technology and technique has to offer. The laser machine that we use is Wavelight’s Allegretto 400 Hz Excimer Laser from Alcon Inc. It is the safest, fastest and most accurate Lasik machine around the world.

This is an outpatient procedure. The laser treatment usually takes less than a minute. The entire procedure usually takes 5-10 minutes per eye. First you will lie on a motorized bed to which the laser is attached. Anesthetic drops will be placed in the eye. The head is positioned under the laser and the eyelids are gently and comfortably kept open during the treatment with the help of a soft clip by our doctor. You will be asked to look at a blinking light during the entire procedure. Once the procedure is completed, a soft corneal protective shield is sometimes placed on the eye. A post-procedure eye examination is performed and eye drops are prescribed. We will inform you about the follow-up schedule. You will notice an improvement in vision within 4-6 hours and a restoration of functional vision by the next morning. However, complete recovery may take up to 48 hours. Some people get back to work the day after treatment. Two or three days are suggested.

Meet Dr Vidyashankar G Kulkarni, our LASIK eye surgeon today. A new world of natural vision could be waiting for you.

Book an Appointment here

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How is Epi-Lasik procedure different than LASIK?
Epi-LASIK is also a safe, effective and permanent procedure,wherethe superficial skin covering of the cornea is removed and same Excimer laser is put to correct the vision. So effectively it is a Wavefront-Optimized ‘No- flap’ or ‘No Cut’ or ‘Blade free’ LASIK.EpiLASIK is indicated for patients who are found to be unfit for LASIK or have special requirements.The visual recovery is more delayed here (time for return to work), perhaps 3-4 days& is not as rapid as LASIK (1-2 days).Discomfort can last for 24 to 36 hours compared to 6 hours for LASIK.Read More / PDF Link
What is ICL or phakic IOLs?
The Phakic IOL or ICL (Implantable Contact Lens) is a refractive error solution that is ideal for those found unfit for other refractive procedures such as LASIK, EpiLASIK etc. The ICL or Implantable Contact Lens,is a kind of contact lens which is implanted into the eye (here your natural lens of the eye is intact and is not removed) and does not require frequent removal like a normal contact lens.

The procedure is performed under topical anesthetic eye drops.Our eye specialist and ICL expert will insert the ICL through a small micro-incison, placing it inside the eye.The ICL eye surgery does not require the removal of the eye’s natural lens.The ICL procedure is a relatively short procedure which takes about 15-30 minutes. It is simple and nearly painless. A consultation and final check with our Refractive surgeon, Dr Vidyashankar G Kulkarni will determine which procedure is suitable for you. Cost of LASIK will vary from centre to centre, and this is determined by what technology and expertise of the surgeon they offer you.

Dr Vidyashankar G Kulkarni renowned Cornea & refractive surgery Specialist has been doing LASIK & other procedures for more than 12 years. He has done more than thousand Laser eye operations which include LASIK, EPILASIK, PRK, Wavefront-Guide Lasik, Topo-Guided LASIK etc. He will conduct various tests himself. In fact, Dr Vidyashankar G Kulkarni sees you not just pre LASIK, does the procedure himself, but also sees you post LASIK as well.

We will also be happy to answer any queries that you may have, call us on +91 9108641212

We are very pleased to offer you the finest, most individualized laser vision correction existing today. We do LASIK like we would want it done for our own family members, many of whom we already have. We plan and perform your procedure using the best customized plans with the safest technology available worldwide to help you achieve your personal best vision.Instead of just performing the laser treatment, we’re committed to taking care of you after your procedure to ensure a great long-term result!

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The cornea is the transparent, dome-shaped, outermost layer that covers the iris and pupil in the front of the eye. As the eye’s outermost lens, it is the entry point for light into the eye.To see clearly, the cornea and lens must focus the light rays precisely on the retina.

Some trauma, including Chemical Injuries, projectile foreign bodies, lacerations and blunt trauma can cause scarring that clouds the cornea. Hereditary conditions including degenerations and dystrophies may also cloud the cornea. The most common hereditary condition seen in young people is keratoconus, a condition in which the cornea assumes a cone shape. The deeper Endothelial layer if gets damaged or becomes weaker can cause water accumulation in the cornea leading to pain, redness & vision loss.

KERATOCONUS & C3R (Corneal Collagen Crosslinking) “Keratoconus is a disorder of the cornea characterized by progressive thinning and ectasia which results in deterioration of the quality of vision and also the quality of life.Collagen Crosslinking with the help of Ultraviolet A (UVA, 365 nm) and riboflavin changes the biomechanical properties of the cornea, increasing its strength by almost 300%. This increase in corneal strength has shown to arrest the progression of keratoconus in numerous studies all over the world.”Other modalities of treatment for Keratoconus areContact lenses like RGP CLs &Special Lenses like Rose K Lenses®& Keasoft CLs.

Dr Vidyashankar G Kulkarni has over 10 years experience with C3R; results have been very promising with the slowing or cessation of keratoconus progression in 100% of eyes. The average amount of topographic improvement we have observed is about 2 D.

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DRY EYES Symptoms of dry eye include: Burning and stinging , scratchy sensation, red and itchy eyes, stringy mucus around the eyes, Irritation from wind or smoke , Discomfort when wearing contacts.Hormonal changes are the most common cause of dry eye among women. It’s also more common among older adults, because tear production can change or slow down with age.Allergies can also cause chronic dry eye. Other irritants include wind, smoke, and air conditioning.Autoimmune diseases, including lupus and rheumatoid arthritis can decrease tear production.

Certain medications & conditions that reduce corneal sensation can also cause dry eye symptoms. Examples of these conditions include diabetes and herpes zoster. The most common treatment for dry eye is artificial tears. These eye drops can lubricate your eyes and help maintain a normal moisture level. Simple environmental changes can help some patients with dry eyes. You can use a humidifier to increase the moisture in your house. Use glasses to protect your eyes from the wind and avoid irritants like smoke.Our ophthalmologist can help you choose an appropriate treatment based on your situation. Always care for your dry eyes as directed by a qualified ophthalmologist.

It is the most common eye disorder among diabetics. It occurs when blood vessels in the retina swell and leak fluid. In some cases, abnormal new blood vessels may grow and block your vision. The condition is the leading cause of blindness among adults.

Many diabetics have a condition called Non-proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy. It’s an early form of diabetic retinopathy. When you have high blood glucose and high blood pressure for an extended period, it can damage the blood vessels in your retina.

Damaged blood vessels in the retina can leak fluid and blood. In the early stages, it may not affect your vision. If your retina doesn’t receive enough blood, you may have blurred vision or see dark spots. As the condition worsens, the retina can become swollen and cause vision loss.

When left untreated, patients can develop proliferative diabetic Retinopathy. Proliferative diabetic Retinopathy occurs when blood vessels in the retina can no longer function. In response, the retina grows new blood vessels. These new blood vessels may blur or block your vision. The new blood vessels are weak and can’t supply the retina with enough blood. Eventually, the retina may detach from the eye. This can result in permanent blindness.

If you have diabetes, schedule regular eye exams to ensure that your eyes are healthy.An ophthalmologist can determine if you have diabetic Retinopathy through a comprehensive eye exam.

Treatment cannot cure diabetic Retinopathy, but it can slow the progression of the disease. Without treatment, you may develop severe diabetic Retinopathy and permanently lose your vision.Laser surgery is an option for some patients. It is mainly used to prevent future vision loss. It can shrink abnormal blood vessels and reduce inflammation. Laser surgery is an outpatient procedure performed with a local anesthetic.Our ophthalmologist may also recommend a more intensive surgical procedure called a Vitrectomy. The procedure removes blood and scar tissue from your eye. It may prevent further bleeding and help your retina return to the appropriate location.

It is a condition that affects the optic nerve in your eye. The optic nerve receives signals from your retina and sends them to your brain. Glaucoma can lead to impaired vision and blindness. There is no cure for glaucoma. However, early diagnosis and treatment can control the symptoms and preserve your vision.

Healthy eyes maintain a steady level of internal pressure, called intraocular pressure. To maintain this pressure, your eye produces new fluid and allows an equal amount of fluid to flow out.If you have glaucoma, you have too much fluid in your eye. This leads to abnormally high intraocular pressure, which can damage the optic nerve. When the optic nerve is damaged, it can cause permanent vision loss. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to blindness.

There are a few different types of glaucoma, includingOpen-angle glaucoma, Closed-angle glaucoma-This is a less common form of glaucoma. Intraocular pressure raises suddenly due to blocked drainage canals. Normal-tension glaucoma and Secondary glaucoma-This type of glaucoma is the result of other eye conditions, diseases, or injuries that damage the optic nerve.

If you have open-angle glaucoma, you may not notice any symptoms in the early stages. As the disease progresses, you may encounter loss of peripheral vision, blank spots, and tunnel vision.If left untreated, open-angle glaucoma can result in blindness. Since there are no symptoms in the early stages, regular screenings are important. Your ophthalmologist can detect and treat open-angle glaucoma before it results in vision loss.Closed-angle glaucoma is a medical emergency. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience the following symptoms - Eye pain, Headache, Redness in the eyes, Sudden visual disturbances, Halos or rainbows around light, Nausea and vomiting. Diagnosis of glaucoma is done during a complete eye exam. The eye pressure test is an important part of the examination. However, you may have normal-tension glaucoma if your intraocular pressure is within the normal range. Examination of the drainage angle- GONIOSCOPYwill determine what type of glaucoma you have. Next, few procedures like OCT- Optic Nerve and Visual fileds tests will be done to know how glaucoma has affected your vision.

Treatments for glaucoma include medication and surgery. Our ophthalmologist can help you select the best treatments based on the details of your case.Eye drops must be used daily to control the symptoms of glaucoma. Use the eye drops as prescribed by our ophthalmologist.

What is Eye Donation?
Eye Donation is an act of charity purely for the benefit of the society and is totally voluntary. Eye Donation is done after death. The eye donation of the deceased can be authorized by the next of kith & kin even if the deceased did not pledge his / her eyes before death.The front clear and transparent tissue of the eye called the cornea can be used to restore vision to corneal blind persons. The other portions of the eye are also used for research & training purposes.
How can one donate eyes?
Eyes are removed only after death. A person wishing to donate eyes should make close family members aware of their intentions. After death of the person it is the family members who can inform the nearest eye bank to fulfill the wishes of the deceased r authorize removal of the eyes if somebody from an eye bank approaches the family.Anybody of any age can donate eyes. Even if the deceased has medical history of hypertension, diabetes, asthma, tuberculosis etc., even spectacle wearers and people who have undergone cataract operation can donate eyes.
What precautions are to be taken?
Switch off fans and switch on Air Conditioner (if available). Raise the head with a pillow. Place wet clean cloth over the closed eye lids. Please ensure that the eye lids are properly closed. Keep a copy of the death certificate ready (if available). The eye bank team which would have a trained technician or a registered medical practitioner would remove the eyes after taking consent on a printed from and also take a blood sample.

For more information download Or visit website www.ebai.org/faqs.php