What are the routine preoperative procedures for Cataract surgery in Nethradhama?

The Standard preoperative procedures for Cataract surgery in Nethradhama is as follows:


A-scan
The A-scan is an ultrasonic probe that measures the length of the eyeball and provides the data to calculate the power of optical correction of the lens implant. Although some doctors use a multifocal or bifocal type of plastic lens implant, most choose a plastic or silicone implant set for distance vision. Within certain limits, it's possible to choose the type of sight you prefer. For example, a very nearsighted person may choose to be less nearsighted (to see at a distance without glasses) as long as the vision in the operated eye still closely matches the nonoperated eye. Otherwise, the inequality of vision will result in visual confusion. This consideration is particularly important if the cataract is only in one eye. Similarly, people who wear glasses to correct farsightedness (hyperopia) may elect to see at a distance without glasses. In this instance, reading glasses will be needed for close work.


Pre-anaesthetic evaluation
It is customary to have a thorough medical checkup before undergoing surgery. If you have high blood pressure, a heart condition, or diabetes, it's important to consult your doctor before surgery in case your medication schedule needs to be modified before and/or on the day of surgery. This is particularly true with diabetic medication and with heart conditions requiring blood thinners.


Informed consent
Your ophthalmologist is required to review possible complications with you regardless of their low incidence. Complications often sound frightening but their probability is rare in these days of modern technology and skill.


Optional preoperative tests
Some preoperative tests are recommended only in special situations.


Glaucoma: Visual field test / Nerve Fiber Analysis : To determine the presence of visual field defects


Macular degeneration/diabetic retinopathy : Fluorescein angiography : To determine if the macula or any area of the retina is leaking fluid


Corneal dystrophy or for those with previous intracapsular cataract surgery who are being evaluated for a secondary lens implant: Corneal cell count: To determine if there are enough corneal cells to withstand a surgical procedure


High myopia or previous retinal detachment/injury: B-scan ultrasonography : To rule out ocular pathology that can't be seen through a dense cataract


How long will the procedure take?

With the advanced technique of the cataract surgery, removal of the cataract takes just about 2 minutes and the entire procedures would take 5-8 minutes. All procedures are done with advanced operating microscopes from Carl Zeiss (Germany) and the procedures are televised through a CCTV camera and can be viewed at the viewing gallery.