Monday 1 April 2019

Cataract.. Care & Act


Mr. Swami (name changed) visited Jaya Eye Care where he was sure to find a solution to all his vision problems. His very close friend had strongly recommended the center. Mr. Swami was an interesting personality. Soon after he entered he announced, “I heard you have one-stop-solution for my eyes. I am a very sweet person, I am diabetic!”. He stole everyone’s heart from the time he stepped in. He was happy to see the welcoming staff and the center’s ambiance. He cracked a lot of jokes and was a center of attention. Not only did he have fun but he also made other patients’ visits memorable.

After a detailed eye examination that included a vision test, refraction, Intra Ocular Pressure measurement, anterior segment evaluation, and retinal examination, he was diagnosed to have a cataract. He is a known diabetic for about 5 years and his blood sugar levels are under good control. A detailed retinal examination revealed normal retina in both eyes. However, he was educated about possible problems that can occur in the eye due to diabetes especially if it was not under control. He was applauded for his care about his own health. Mr. Swami had no clue that diabetes could also affect his eyes. He was glad that Jaya Eye Care educated him on that aspect!

Mr. Swami was counseled about cataract and its treatment. Again, he never had a clue that it can be treated at this stage. He had assumed that he will have to wait until it was ‘ripe’ to undergo surgery. The same myth was reinforced by the optician who had earlier sold the progressive glasses to Mr. Swami. Jaya Eye Care believes in a consultative selection of best Intra Ocular Lens (IOL) meaning, it believes in understanding the lifestyle of its patients before recommending the type of IOL rather than ‘selling’ a type of IOL.

A detailed interview was taken to understand his lifestyle. “I have quite a busy schedule. I travel a lot. Luckily my driver takes me around. Chennai’s Sun really bothers me. I always wonder how the Uber eats and Swiggy motorcyclists spend the whole day supplying food to those who don’t cook at home! Ah! When I go out during nights, the dazzling lights from the cars really bother me. Talking about technology, these days it is very convenient. Many years ago, I remember how I used to do all my banking activities by visiting my bank, stand in long ques, eagerly wait for that ‘Ding’ sound so that it is my turn to withdraw money. Thanks to online banking, I can do all my banking using my laptop. I spend a lot of my time on computers, mobile and I enjoy watching TV. I attend ‘Kacheri’ at Narada Gana Saba at least once in a week. Of late, I have trouble driving, sunlight bothers me, I have trouble working for long hours on my computer. I recently spent almost forty thousand rupees for my progressive lenses. The optician said it was the best that would suit my lifestyle. Unfortunately, it is not helping me” said Mr. Swami.

Based on Mr. Swami’s lifestyle and Optical Biometry measurements, it was concluded that he would do well with Micro-Incision Cataract Surgery with implantation of Aberration-Free, UV blocking, Toric Multifocal IOL. This IOL has the advantage of resulting in a good vision for distance, near & intermediate by its inbuilt optical properties, and correcting astigmatism.

Surgery was done within a couple of days and Mr. Swami was surprised that he spent only about two hours in the center and could also get his other eye operated within two more days. He was extremely happy with his visual recovery which was just 4-5 days. He is very happy to be able to see without his glasses. He continues to be a cheerful person and manages his lifestyle with ease and without any more strain!

Jaya Eye Care is happy that Mr.Swami ‘Cared and Acted’ about his cataract and continues to live his active life!!