Innovation in eye care

So your doctor has advised a cataract surgery and you have the most important assignment of your career coming up, all at the same time. Fret not. Thanks to outstanding progress in the field of medical science, you can now walk straight to office soon after your surgery, courtesy Micro Incision Cataract Surgery (MICS).

ALL ABOUT MICS

What gives MICS an edge over conventional phacoemulsification surgery? According to Dr Keshab Haldar, consultant ophthalmic surgeon, “Normal cataractsurgery by phacoemulsification is done through 2.8 to 3.2 mm incisions. Reduction in incision size to 2.2 mm in MICS makes the surgery more painless and convenient for the patients. MICS not only gives less residual astigmatism, less optical aberrations, quicker recovery and subsequently more satisfactory visual outcome, chances of developing cylindrical power and surgery induced refractive index are lesser as well.”

Since distortion of the eye is minimal, the end result is safe. “Bimanual MICS can be performed through incisions of about 1.4 to 1.6 mm whereas Coaxial MICS can be done through 2.2 to 2.4 mm incisions. Currently we are using the coaxial MICS through a 2.2 mm incision. It supports advanced technology like hydrophobic IOLs including Toric, Multifocal and Toric Multifocal IOls and is safe and suitable for Indian eyes,” says Haldar.

POINTS TO REMEMBER

As highlighted by Dr Bishwanath Dutta Chowdhury, retina consultant, MICS means a reduction in wound size, which in turn means enhanced safety and stability in eye health. His advice for preventive eye-care?

“Diabetics should be extra careful about their eye-health as they are vulnerable to diabetic retinopathy. Those with family history of glaucoma also need to undergo screening from time to time.”

LATEST TREND IN EYE CARE

As Shiladitya Mukherjee, senior eye consultant, explains, “Speedy recovery in MICS has made it the numero-uno choice among high-end professionals who have to resume work post-surgery. Even children with congenital cataracts can opt for it. It is ideal for diabetics who are prone to infections.”

On similar notes, Rudra Prosad Ghosh, ophthalmic surgeon, roots for MICS over conventional phaco surgery. “In MICS, topical anaesthesia is administered to the patient and the entire procedure is over within 15 minutes. Lesser incision size means lesser post-operative power. With lower chances of complications and almost nil residual post-operative astigmatism, the patient goes home relieved.”

BETTER EYE HEALTH

The key to eye-care lies in modifying simple aspects of your daily life. A diet comprising green vegetables and colourful fruits rich in vitamin A and small fishes is beneficial for healthy eyes.

Another concern among doctors is the rising number of patients being diagnosed with dry-eyes, thanks to alarming pollution levels and excessive use of gadgets. Blink as often as possible and gaze at longer distances from time to time.

Opt for lubricating eye drops or anti-glare specs as prescribed by the doctor to keep your eyes safe and healthy. To remain on the safe side, one should take simple precautions for about three-seven days post-MICS surgery which include not applying water in the eyes, not rubbing them, staying away from crowded and dusty environments, etc.

With MICS setting new standards in the field of eye-care, giving your eyes the best treatment just got easier!

source”cnbc”