Minimally Invasive Cataract Surgery: Techniques, Benefits, and Patient Experiences

As we know, a cataract occurs when the lens, a small transparent disc inside the eye, develops cloudy patches. These patches usually grow larger over time, resulting in blurry, misty vision and, eventually, blindness.

Recent Advances in Cataract Surgery

The majority of cataracts develop as a result of aging or injury to the tissue that makes up the eye’s lens. Cataract-related vision problems can be treated surgically by removing the damaged lens and replacing it with a new artificial intraocular lens (IOL). 

Unlike traditional cataract surgeries, which require a large incision, the Minimally Invasive Cataract Surgery (MICS) technique uses small incisions of less than 4 mm. This is a game-changing advancement in cataract surgery. In this article, we will delve deeper into the techniques, benefits, and post-surgery experiences of MICS.

Minimally Invasive Cataract Surgery Technique

Many surgical techniques have been developed to successfully treat cataracts. However, as technology advances, the trend in cataract surgery is toward less surgical trauma and faster patient recovery. This trend can be tracked by the progressive decrease in the incision size used for cataract surgery, which began with small-incision cataract surgery incisions of less than 4mm

This cataract surgery technique uses small incisions of 1.8 mm to remove the faulty clouded lens and replace it with an intraocular lens (IOL). It is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive procedure that provides good visual outcomes.

MICS is a sophisticated phaco surgery technique for cataract removal. This type of cataract surgery uses less phaco energy or ultrasound. Soft foldable lens implants are used instead of hard plastic lenses, which were previously used. It is a safer procedure that results in fewer postoperative complications and faster healing. This new technique has simplified and made things easier for both the patient and the surgeon. In practice, cataract surgery is progressing.

Benefits of MICS

MICS quickly gained acceptance and popularity among doctors and patients alike because of the obvious benefits of the surgical technique. The main benefits of MICS are improved surgical control and prevention of corneal astigmatism as a result of the surgical procedure, as well as reduction in postoperative corneal aberrations. The main advantages of MICS include:

• Faster healing is achieved by smaller incisions
• Decreased chances of surgically induced astigmatism, as the incision is smaller.      Therefore, less need for glasses following surgery
• Faster recovery of vision, less surgical downtime
• Compatible with premium IOLs, therefore better visual results each time
• Better for patients with corneal compromise and zonular weakness due to better fluidics and use of less phaco energy
• No need for anesthesia injections, stitches, bandages, or prolonged restriction of activities following surgery. Fewer follow-up visits are required after MICS, and the patient can quickly resume his or her normal routine.
• Easy to learn for a surgeon well versed in phacoemulsification, almost flat learning curve

Patients’ Life-Changing Experiences

Cataract surgery was once thought to be a major procedure that required patients to miss weeks of activity. However, thanks to technological advancements, the surgical procedure now takes no more than 5-10 minutes. First, because MICS is less invasive than traditional open surgery, patients experience fewer complications and a faster, more comfortable recovery. Finally, MICS is a very safe and effective way to treat a wide range of conditions, and patients who have these procedures done can expect excellent results.

MICS surgery significantly improves people’s vision, though the changes require some adaptation, which is usually temporary.

A cataract patient was ecstatic after the surgery; he will never have to worry about developing cataracts again. He is now cataract-free and enjoying his improved vision.

“It’s difficult to put into words how happy I was when I saw the newspaper outside my house early in the morning. I could read everything as before, which was a huge relief because I had almost forgotten I could read,” another cataract patient reacted after the surgery.

A few things have changed in the way cataract surgeries are performed. Doctors can confidently tell patients that cataract surgery is no longer scary or painful.

Cataract Surgery Lens Options and Cost Comparison

The need for glasses, such as reading glasses after cataract surgery, has significantly decreased over the years due to technological advancements in the lenses used during surgery.

You can now choose between laser-assisted surgery and a variety of artificial intraocular lens options. Knowing that there are so many cataract lens options available to you, you may be wondering which one is best for you. Let’s look at some cataract replacement lens options, including IOLs, to see which one is best for you.

All lens options used during cataract surgery will result in a greater depth of focus and clearer vision. Any refractive error you had prior to surgery, you will have after; for example, if you were nearsighted, you will still be nearsighted after surgery; there will not be any changes in this.  Fortunately, the replacement lens used during cataract surgery is capable of correcting pre-existing refractive errors.

What Exactly Is a Standard IOL?

Monofocal lenses are considered standard IOLs, and depending on your insurance coverage, they are frequently included in the overall cost of surgery. The power of the lens used during cataract surgery will be based on the specific strength that you require.

What is a Premium IOL?

Beyond the standard option, there are other types of cataract surgery lenses that you may consider. Here are some different lenses for cataract surgery that you can examine:

• A toric lens has an astigmatism correction built in and is available as a monofocal lens; some also have presbyopia correction.
• Accommodating lenses can correct vision at all distances because they use the eye’s natural muscle movement to change shape, improving focus.
• Light adjustable lenses are a newer option for monofocal IOLs and the only option that can be customised after surgery. This means that you won’t need glasses or further vision correction to see near or far away.
• Multifocal lenses have corrective zones that are built into the lens. This is similar to bifocal or trifocal glasses, which allow you to see objects from both close and far distances. In some cases, multifocal lenses can also help correct intermediate vision.
• Expanded depth of focus IOLs (EDOF) have only one corrective zone that is expanded, allowing cataract surgeons to help improve distance and intermediate vision.

 Cost Comparison of Lens

IOL Type	Cost	Benefits	Disadvantages
Monofocal	Standard	The cheapest option, often covered by insurance	Only one focus area likely requires glasses for some tasks
Multifocal	High	Multiple focus points, might not need glasses, most similar to the eye’s natural lens	With a longer adaption time, more expensive, glasses still might be required
Accommodative	Highest	Often completely eliminates the need for glasses	In rare cases, glasses are still required
Toric	Increases costs	Corrects astigmatism	Adds to cost

 

Post Cataract Surgery Care and Vision Improvement

The healing time following cataract surgery varies, and it may not be the same for everyone. Most patients notice significant improvements in their vision within a few days to a week of surgery. However, for optimal results, the entire healing process can take several weeks. Several factors, including an individual’s overall health, can influence the healing timeline. Conditions like diabetes and other systemic health issues can potentially slow down the healing process.

Immediate Post-Operative Care

Careful post-operative care is essential for a quick recovery after cataract surgery. Patients are usually discharged from the hospital or eye clinic with an eye shield or protective covering over the treated eye to prevent accidental rubbing or pressure on the eye. Due to the temporary impairment of vision, driving is strictly prohibited on the day of surgery, so arrangements for a reliable, alternate mode of transportation should be made in advance.

Patients should take the following precautions and recovery tips during the first 24 hours after surgery:

Avoid strenuous activities: Rest and avoid strenuous activities are critical for allowing the eye to heal. Reading, watching TV, and using electronic devices should be restricted.

Wear Sunglasses: Wear sunglasses outside, even on overcast days, to protect your eyes from bright light and glare.

Avoid Lifting Heavy Objects: To avoid increased pressure in the eye, avoid bending over at the waist. Lifting heavy objects or engaging in strenuous physical activity should be avoided as well.

Eye Drops: Apply medicated eye drops according to the instructions, as this is critical for reducing the risk of infection and inflammation. Before applying drops, make sure your hands are clean.

Refrain from Rubbing the Eye: Patients must avoid touching or rubbing the operated eye, as this increases the risk of infection and other ocular complications.

Wear an Eye Mask: Wear the eye shield provided by the hospital while sleeping to avoid accidental rubbing.

Avoid Water Contact: To prevent infection, keep the eye area clean and dry, but avoid direct water contact with the eye for the first few days.

Follow-up Appointments: Schedule and attend any recommended follow-up appointments with your ophthalmologist. These appointments are essential for tracking the healing process.

Improvement in Vision

The first few weeks after cataract surgery are usually marked by a gradual improvement in vision and relief from postoperative symptoms. Most patients notice a significant improvement in their vision in the days following surgery, as the cloudiness caused by the cataract is removed. However, vision may still be slightly hazy, and it may take several weeks for it to fully stabilise. During this time, some patients may experience fluctuations in their vision.

To Summarise

MICS can treat people with all types, grades, and severity levels of cataracts. MICS is becoming increasingly popular in comparison to other surgical techniques. Curebridge’s expert team of eye specialists is skilled at handling the complex MICS procedure.

About Curebridge

With Curebridge, individuals and their families can gain access to world-class healthcare facilities all over India. Besides providing aftercare and logistics, Curebridge helps patients connect with appropriate medical providers in India, as well as arrange travel and lodging.

Patients can rely on the team of seasoned professionals at Curebridge to guide them through the intricacies of Indian healthcare. The platform is committed to providing transparent and affordable pricing, offering patients various payment options to suit their circumstances. For more details, chat with us at +91-9152065206 or email [email protected].