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FAQ for Intraocular Products
If you have further queries, please consult your eye care doctor.

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Q01:	What is Cataract? Cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye. Situated behind the pupil, the lens is a clear disc within the eyeball. It helps to focus incoming light rays or onto the retina, similar to the way a camera lens focuses an image onto the film. When a cataract develops, it is likes a dirty or cloudy camera lens, blocking light rays from entering the eye, thus blurring vision. Cataract is neither a tumor nor an abnormal growth of tissue in the eye. It is a physical change in the contents of the lens, resulting in its clouding. It is easily detected by doctors. close
Q02:	What Causes Cataract? Cataracts can be categorised according to its underlying causes. Senile Cataract. The most common cause is protein clumpings along with aging. When the protein clumps, it clouds the lens and reduces the light that reaches the retina. The clouding may be become severe enough to cause blurred vision. This condition affects adults above 50 years old. Diabetic Cataracts. Patients with diabetes mellitus are prone to cataracts causing fluctuating vision. Traumatic Cataract. An eye injury may damage the lens resulting in cataract, sometimes years later. Congenital cataract. Such cataract is presented at birth; usually hereditary or caused by an infection that has affected the pregnant mother and unborn child. Secondary Cataracts. Cataracts can be caused by other diseases of the eye or body. close
Q03:	What are the Symptoms? The most common symptoms are: Blurred vision Colour seem fadinga Glare, poor vision in bright surroundings Multiple images The need for frequent changes of spectacle prescription close
Q04:	How is a cataract detected? Cataract is detected through a comprehensives eye exam such as: Visual acuity test. This eye chart test measures your eyesight at various distances. Dilated eye exam. Solution drops are place in your eyes to widen or dilate, the pupils. The eye specialist will uses a special magnifying lens to examine your retina and optic nerve for signs of damage and other eye problems. Tonometry. An instrument measures the pressure inside the eye. Numbing drops may be applied to your eye. close
Q05:	What Treatments are Available? If a cataract affects a person's lifestyle, surgery is the only effective way to remove it. There are two types of cataract surgery available: Phacoemulsification is a recent advance in the technique of cataract surgery. Using ultrasonic power, the cataract can be removed through a smaller wound (2.8mm to 3.2mm). Suturing is usually not required and visual rehabilitation is faster. Extracapsular surgery is where the specialist makes a longer incision (11mm to 13mm) on the side of the cornea and removes the cloudy core of the lens in one piece. The rest of the lens is removed by suction. If the lens is removed, an artificial lens is substituted. This can be achieved in the following ways: a) Hard Intraocular Lens (IOL) Implants These are artificial lenses are usually made of Polycast Polymethyl-methacrylate (PMMA). They require 5mm to 7 mm incision for insertion. They are placed in almost the same position as the natural lens of the eye and are permanent implants which require no maintenance. Due to the larger incision, suturing is required. » ADVIOL has 5 models to cater to various needs b) Soft Foldable Intraocular Lens (IOL) Implants This is the latest advances in implants technology. The lenses are made from aryclic, silicone or hydrogel. Thus they can be folded and implanted into the eye through a small incision at about 2.8mm to 4.0mm. The implants are then unfolded into its positions in the eyes. As these implants require only a small wound, visual rehabilitation is rapid and the visual outcome is excellent. » ADVIOL provides foldable lenses close
Q06:	Is cataract surgery effective? Just like any other surgery, cataract surgery is not 'risk-free'. Complications such as retinal detachment, inflammation, glaucoma, hemorrhage, corneal edema and infections are possible. Any of these complications may cause loss of some vision or even blindness. However, cataract surgery is highly successful with more than 90% of patients regaining good vision. This high success rate is attributed to advances in surgical microscopes, wound suturing, effective prevention of infections and early action. Most cataract surgeries are performed as a day surgical procedure without the need for hospital admission. close
Q07:	Will cataract come back after they are removed? Vision may deteriorate several months after cataract surgery due to thickening of the posterior capsule. Fortunately, this can be improved with outpatient laser treatment known as YAG laser capsulotomy. close
Q08:	After the cataract surgery, will my vision be normal again? Most patients regain their vision well enough to drive without glasses. However, there is no guarantee that glasses will not be necessary. It is more likely that you will need reading glasses than glasses for distance. If glasses are required, they are usually very thinner than the glasses required before the surgery. close

Remember
Cataracts are the most common cause of poor vision in the elderly. It is a curable form of blindness. Do not ignore any eye symptoms. Have a regular check-up with an eye specialist. Early detection can prevent permanent blindness.