Undergoing Cataract Surgery, In Patient'sOwn Words..

Undergoing Cataract Surgery

Surgery is a difficult experience for most patients. Let me share with you the experience of one of my patents Mr G. I hope it will help others in preparing themselves or their loved one to undergo this procedure..


"..but Dr. Ravi allayed these anxieties. .... Before the surgery, Dr. Ravi explained to me that he had given me three drops .... as a precautionary measure. He also told me that I needed to focus on the three dots in the light that was focused on my right eye. He also requested me to inform him in case of discomfort or a need to cough or sneeze so that he could stop. He explained that I would feel discomfort in my eyes and soreness, which would gradually ease off. As the surgery progressed, I concentrated on those three dots and there was a brief period when the dots vanished and my eyes were flooded with a white light. I waited and soon the three dots re-emerged. Through the surgery, Dr. Ravi kept conversing with me in an even, calm voice and informed me of each stage in the procedure. This assured me that things were progressing smoothly. Soon, he informed me that the procedure was completed successfully .... He asked me about how far I lived and if I wanted to go home and return in the evening or stay in the ward so that he could check on me once again. I decided to stay back in the ward.


When I was brought back, I felt sore in my eye and it hurt a little too. I dozed off for a little while and woke up to a splitting headache. .... I also experienced nausea at this time. This condition continued for three hours and began to subside once the patch was removed and eye drops inserted. Dr. Ravi explained that the pain would subside with the eye drops and discharged me. He instructed me to put drops twice before bedtime and I followed these instructions. The pain and nausea subsided
during the night and I felt better the next morning. During my check up the next day, Dr. Ravi informed me that the surgery was successful and my vision is gradually returning. I am following his instructions for post-operative care and am hopeful of my recovery."

I thank Mr G for sharing his valuable experience. Mr G made complete recovery following surgery, followed instructions throughout and is enjoying blissful vision.

SET DATE

From June 2019 Dr Kumar Ravi will not be available at Sankara Nethralaya, Kolkata.

Watch this space for further information....

Glaucoma Information Module

Glaucoma Pain and Gain

1. How painful is the medical examination for glaucoma?

The medical examination for glaucoma is almost a painless experience. Few examinations and tests for glaucoma requires instruments to come close to the eyes. It may be a little  uncomfortable for a new patient but the procedure is painless.

2. How much time it may take to undergo a complete glaucoma evaluation?

Glaucoma examination involves a short patient evaluation (undilated  eye), followed by instillation of eye drop and detail eye examination (dilated eye examination). The procedure may take about 1 to 2 hrs. In case the glaucoma specialist orders for certain tests – it may need some more time.

3. I lost focus while doing perimeter test. How much does that matter?

Perimeter instrument is programed to take care of blinking movement of eye. Few instances of fixation loss or loss of attention may be taken care of. But repeated error may need the tests to be repeated.

4. My first test was rejected by the doctor. Will I perform better on a regular test?

Many patients may not perform well at first go. The performance is better on repeat test.

5. I can’t perform perimeter test. Is there any alternative test?

Yes, there are alternative tests for glaucoma detection. Some of them are fully automated tests and require only a few seconds to finish the test. However, perimeter remains the primary test for glaucoma detection and follow up.

Cataract Information Module

Patient information Module #3

1. What is the advantage of the new Phaco technique over older cataract surgery techniques?

Phaco technique of cataract surgery when combined with the use of foldable intraocular lens – needs a small cut of less than 2mm for doing the surgery (Denoted by red line in Image 1). This is in sharp contrast to the older manual techniques of cataract surgery which needs a cut of 6-8mm to complete the surgery (Denoted by red line in Image 2).

Due to small cut for surgery – the recovery time is considerably reduced, pain is less and patients are back to business within a shorter period of time.

2. Are all cases of cataract operated by phaco technique?

Presently with improved technology – most of the cataract removal surgery is done by phaco technique. But in some cases surgeons may resort to manual technique of surgery.

3. Is there any difference in visual improvement between the two techniques?

Practically there is no difference in visual recovery in surgery by either technique. But pain is less and visual recovery is faster with phaco technique.

4. Can the cataract surgery be done without “injection”?

Yes, most of present day cataract surgery presently is done without “injection”, using “eye drops” to minimize pain and discomfort during surgery.

5. Can glaucoma surgery be combined with cataract surgery?

Yes. When required, eye surgeon can combine both the surgeries in a single sitting. It reduces need for 2 separate operations and the patient gets rid of his glaucoma eye drops. (But need and justification for glaucoma surgery has to be decided by the treating doctor)

Please leave your queries here….

Cataract Information Module

                           
Patient Information Module #2: Cataract

1.       What is Cataract?

       Cataract is an age related change in the eye in which clear lens inside the eye becomes hazy.

2.       What causes Cataract?

It is an age related change. In some cases it may be seen in newborns, in patients following injury, or rarely following medicine misuse or may be associated with other eye disorders.

3.       Does it happen to everyone?

Yes. But in some people the cataract may not advance to a stage that needs intervention. Just like most age related issues – cataract might be determined by individual genetic makeup.

4.       At what age cataract develops?

      

      The changes of cataract start developing after 40 yrs of age in most Indians. People develop difficulty in vision by the age of 60 yrs. Needless to mention that the exact age is highly variable.

5.       My friend aged 26 can’t see without glasses – Is it due to cataract?

Most vision related issues in young people is not due to cataract. They may be corrected with glasses.

6.       How can I be sure that I don’t have cataract?

       

       It can be done by a routine eye examination by any eye specialist.

7.       Is surgery the only option for cataract removal?

 In early stage surgery is not required. Patients can manage with glasses.  But once vision is blurred even with use of glasses – surgery remains the only option.

8.       What are the latest surgical options for cataract surgery?

The current standard technique for cataract surgery is by phaco technique. In special situations eye specialist may decide to do surgery by manual technique also.

Details on surgical methods in next module....

Please leave your queries here.

Glaucoma: Frequently asked Questions!

    Patient Teaching Module   # 1

Common queries of Glaucoma Patients!

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is an eye problem caused due to weakness/damage of the nerve of the eye ball. It is commonly caused by increased pressure in the eyeball.

What causes Glaucoma?

There is no definite answer available. It may be related with genetic or environmental factors and various unknown factors.

None of my parents have Glaucoma. Can I still be affected?

Yes.

What are other risk factors for Glaucoma?

 a.       Most important risk factor for Glaucoma is AGE. Chances of glaucoma increases with advancing  age ( after 40 yrs)

 b.      Family history of glaucoma – Parents and siblings

 c.       Myopia

 d.      Diabetes

 e.       Other factors like smoking, alcohol consumption  etc may cause faster glaucoma progression.

I am 24 yrs old. Can I still get glaucoma?

Yes! Glaucoma can occur in any age group – starting from new born babies, to young college students to adults.

How will I know if I have Glaucoma?

In the early stage, Glaucoma can be detected only by a careful eye examination by an eye specialist. By the time patient develops vision related problems due to glaucoma – Glaucoma is already in advance stage. As patients are not aware of its presence for a long time, Glaucoma is also described as “Silent thief of Eye Sight”

Post your doubts for further information....

Scientific Articles Published by Dr Kumar Ravi

Articles Published


1. Firecracker eye injuries during Deepavali festival: A case series.  click here to open

2. Nasoplpebral Lipoma Coloboma syndrome. click here to open

3. Refractive surprise following implantation of correct powered intraocular lens - A real surprise! click here to open

4. Challenges in the implantation of a Boston Type 1 keratoprosthesis and a glaucoma drainage device in a nanophthalmic eye. click here to open