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Cataract or ‘motiyabind’ as it is colloquially called, refers to the eye condition in which there is a change in the composition of the natural lens that makes it opaque, leading to gradual vision loss or even blindness if not treated. This condition is very common and generally it is an age-related vision problem. Cataract may start developing after the age of 40 years, but cataract symptoms start showing at a later stage. Especially those above the age of 50 may start observing cataract signs. Cataract may occur in one or both eyes at the same time.
The reason that the natural eye lens gradually becomes foggy and eventually opaque is due to the disintegration of proteins present in it, which cannot be reversed. Cataracts generally grow with age and tend to deteriorate with time. If not treated cataract can steal your vision with time. To get rid of cataracts, surgery is the only and best option for cataract treatment. Eyeglasses, medicines or eye drops can not cure cataract completely.
How is cataract surgery done?
A cataract operation is a safe and simple eye surgery, through which the cataract affected natural lens of the eye is removed and replaced with an artificial lens called intraocular lens or IOL. There are mainly two types of cataract surgery procedures, i.e. SICS and PHACO which eye surgeons prefer to perform. PHACO procedure is more advanced compared to SICS. Cataract surgery takes around 10 minutes but one should come to the hospital with 4-5 hours in hand for the complete process. Patients availing PHACO surgery are discharged from the hospital within few hours on the same day but patients availing SICS operation will have to stay overnight at the hospital and are released next day.
Cataract lenses
Cataract lenses come with different features or quality from both Indian and foreign lens brands. The eye doctor or the eye surgeon recommends the most appropriate Indian or foreign lens after evaluating the eye condition of the patient, the considering certain other factors such as lifestyle, expectations and budge of the patient.
Indian and foreign lenses for cataract surgery
Different types of cataract lenses are available from both Indian and foreign brands catering to the different needs of the patient. There are mainly three types of lenses available for cataract or motiyabind operation.
- Monofocal lenses: These lenses can basically correct single vision, either distant vision or near vision. Generally, eye doctors or surgeons use Monofocal lenses to restore the distant vision of the patient as these lenses provide very good vision at distance after the surgery. Post surgery after a few days the eye surgeon prescribes eyeglasses for reading and to focus on nearby objects. These lenses are the most economical options and popular among the patients because of their price and good outcome. Monofocal lenses comes in both Indian and foreign lens brands. Indian monofocal lenses are less costlier than foreign monofocal lenses.
- Multifocal lenses: These lenses restore vision at all distances, i.e. near, intermediate and distant. A Multifocal lens is a good choice for a person who wishes to free of eyeglasses after a cataract operation. Though these lenses reduce dependency on glasses, these are not suitable for all. A patient might have other vision conditions along with cataract. In such a case, using a Multifocal lens might not eliminate the need for glasses post-surgery. Consult with the eye surgeon to know if you are the right candidate for this lens. Multifocal lenses are costlier than standard Monofocal lenses. Both Indian and foreign cataract lens companies manufacture varieties of multifocal lenses with specific features. The prices of lenses depend on the features.
- Toric lenses: Our eyes may have an uneven curvature on the Cornea. This imperfection causes blurred or distorted vision. This is called astigmatism. If a patient suffers from Astigmatism along with cataract, the person can choose a Toric lens for the cataract operation. A Toric lens is specially made to correct or treat both cataract and Astigmatism. Patients suffering from Astigmatism wear vision correction glasses. Use of Toric lens reduces the need for Astigmatism correction glasses after the cataract surgery. Toric lenses come in both variants, i.e. Monofocal Toric or Multifocal Toric. Multifocal Toric lenses are much costlier than standard Toric lenses. Toric lenses from foreign brands are costlier compared to Indian Toric lenses.
Which cataract lens is better: Indian vs Foreign?
When it comes to the selection of lenses, there are many different options provided by different manufacturers. Some of the factors that affect the choice of the lens include the eye condition of the patient, lens features, cost, brand and country of manufacture. Every eye is unique, and the requirement of the lens varies from patient to patient. The eye surgeon suggests you the most appropriate Indian or imported lens considering the eye condition, budget, lifestyle, your expectations, etc.
While choosing a lens for cataract operation, a common question that arises is whether Indian brands are better or foreign/ imported ones.
The answer is that many Indian lenses are just as good as imported ones, and they are even more cost-effective. The quality of these lenses has improved a lot in the last few years, and any reputable Indian brand will be able to cater to most needs. However, people may prefer foreign manufactured lens as some of the features required by the patient might not be available in the Indian manufactured lens. Some patients believe that foreign lenses are better compared to Indian lens brands.
Indian lenses are also exported to other countries. Some of the popular Indian brands include Appasamy, Arolab etc. In some cases, with special requirements, an appropriate lens may not be available in the Indian market. A good surgeon will be able to guide you based on the requirements and options available in your budget range.
