Cataract Surgery (IOL With Phacoemulsification)

· Those looking for a safe and effective cataract surgery procedure in Bangkok, Thailand.
· Those who want to fix cataract or cloudy eye lenses.
· Those who want to treat cataract effectively without an overnight stay at hospital.
· Those who want to prevent permanent vision loss.
· Those who want to restore vision and improve quality of life.

Cataract surgery is an operation to remove cloudy eye lenses and replace them with synthetic ones. A cataract is a condition where the lens of the eye becomes cloudy or opaque, usually found in a group of people at age 55 and above. It is a natural change caused by the cloudiness of crystalline lens; these cloudy areas will affect a person's vision, like looking through foggy glasses, to the point where colors will seem duller, serious glare will be experienced especially at nights, lights will be irritating to the eyes, seeing halos around bright lights will become more frequent, and overall vision becomes less sharp.

With modern technology, one of the common treatments for cataracts is to replace your eye’s natural lens with an IOL (intraocular lens) to correct your distance vision to 20/20 without the need for any glasses or lenses. Phacoemulsification is firstly performed prior to placing the IOL to break up and remove the cloudy lens or cataract from the eye by an ultrasonic device. Operation time would only take 30 to 60 mins, and recovery would take 4 to 6 weeks, although it's possible for you to go back to work after just a few days. It's painless, quick, and requires just about 3 mm of incision without stitches needed after. The new lens will remain permanent in place for a lifetime.

Cataract surgery works by inserting a foldable Intraocular Lens (IOL) and followed by Phacoemulsification. The procedure utilizes an ultrasonic device to break up and remove the cloudy lens, also called cataracts, from the eye to improve vision.

· Oxidative damage
· Smoking
· UV radiation
· Long-term use of steroids and other medications
· Diabetes
· Trauma
· Radiation Therapy

1. A small incision will be made in the front surface of the eye with a scalpel or a laser
2. A circular hole will be cut in the front of the thin membrane (anterior capsule) that encloses the eye’s natural lens
3. Typically the lens will then be broken into smaller pieces with a laser or an ultrasonic device so it can be easily removed from the eye
4. Once the entire lens is removed, it will be replaced with a clear implant called an intraocular lens (IOL) to restore vision. In most cases, the eye heals quickly after surgery without stitches

<Advantages>
· Minimizes chances of wound complication
· Normal activities can be resumed after 2 weeks
· Simple and painless procedure
· Highly effective
· Enhances vision to 20/20
· Fast recovery, no hospitalization required
· Improves the quality of life

<Limitations>
· Itching and inflammation of the cornea may happen to some people but can be controlled with eye drops prescribed by a doctor

· You will be asked for Intraocular Lens Measurement to determine the type and power of lens that you will need
· You have to inform if you have any allergic medication
· Call to postpone the surgery if you have cold on the day
· Diabetes, hypertension, heart disease should be treated or controlled to normal before surgery
· Wear comfortable clothing, preferably with buttons or zip
· A blood test result for Anti-HIV should be brought with you when you arrive
· Ensure that your eye area is properly cleaned and makeup-free
· Do not use makeup, perfume, lotions, cologne or aftershave on the day of the surgery
· You may be asked to not wear contact lens for at least 24 hrs before the procedure
· Arrange a driver to get you home safely
· Have a light meal or snack beforehand
· Drink a lot of plain water and avoid caffeine

· Do not attempt to drive after the surgery until the doctor has confirmed that you are safe to drive
· Please use the prescribed medicated eye drops as guided by doctor
· Wear protective sunglasses to protect your eyes from sunlight and bright lights as your eyes recover

During the first week of recovery, do avoid:
· Any strenuous activity, exercises and heavy lifting as these activities can stress the eyes
· Water that can splash into your eyes and cause infection. Keep your eyes closed while showering or bathing for safety.
· Swimming and hot tubs (at least for 2 weeks)
· Going to places or doing activities that can expose the eyes to dust, grime and other contaminants

Q1: How is a cataract diagnosed?
A1: Comprehensive eye exam to assess a patient’s vision can help a doctor to diagnose cataracts. The examination may include an eye chart test, tonometry to measure eye pressure, and other tests to check your sensitivity to glare, among others.

Q2: Is cataract surgery safe?
A2: Yes. It is a commonly performed treatment and is said to have an effective rate of roughly 90 percent.

Q3: How can I reduce the risks of developing cataracts?
A3: To reduce your risks of developing cataracts, do protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses when outside, get eye exams regularly, stop smoking, eat a healthy diet, and do keep your medical conditions, especially diabetes, in check.

Q4: Can cataract run in one’s family?
A4: It may be hereditary. Among the risk factors are a family history of cataracts, heavy alcohol use, smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, old age, or exposure to radiation from X-rays and cancer treatments.

Q5: What are the risks of cataract surgery?
A5: As with any other surgeries, risks may include infection, bleeding in the eye, ongoing swelling, damage to other parts of the eyes, and others. Serious risks are rare, but rest assured that our affiliated doctors are trained and have extensive experience. Your case will be treated with the utmost responsibility.

Q6: Who cannot undergo cataract surgery?
A6: Those who are too advanced in age, or have a pre-existing eye disease like glaucoma or dry eyes cannot undergo the treatment. Other cases that may have to delay surgery or cannot have it at all are pregnant or nursing women, patients with dry eyes, and those taking medications that can cause a change in vision.

[Clinic Name] Laser Vision International LASIK Center
[Location] Bangkok, Thailand
[Nearest Station/ Nearest Tourist Destination] 10 mins driving distance to Chatuchak Weekend Market, and 3 mins to BTS Phahonyothin 24
[Clinic Opening Time] Monday to Friday (8:00AM - 8:00PM), Saturday (8:00AM - 6:00PM), Sunday (8:00AM - 4:00PM)