The Cataract Department at NIOH is dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis, and surgical management of cataract – the leading cause of reversible blindness in Bangladesh. The department integrates modern diagnostic facilities, advanced surgical techniques, and community outreach programs to restore vision and improve quality of life.
Clinical Examination and Investigation
The department provides a wide range of pre-operative and
diagnostic assessments, including:
- Visual
Acuity Testing – baseline and best-corrected visual acuity.
- Slit
Lamp Examination – anterior segment evaluation and cataract grading.
- Tonometry
– intraocular pressure measurement to rule out glaucoma.
- Dilated
Fundus Examination – retinal and optic nerve assessment pre-surgery.
- Keratometry
– corneal curvature measurement for IOL power calculation.
- A-Scan
Biometry / Optical Biometry – axial length measurement for intraocular
lens (IOL) power determination.
- B-Scan
Ultrasonography – evaluation of posterior segment in mature, dense, or
complicated cataracts.
- Anterior
Segment Photography – for documentation and monitoring.
- Systemic
Investigations – blood sugar, blood pressure, and relevant systemic
screening for safe surgery.
Procedures
The Cataract Department offers state-of-the-art cataract
treatment procedures:
- Phacoemulsification
Surgery – sutureless, small-incision cataract extraction with foldable
IOL implantation.
- Manual
Small Incision Cataract Surgery (MSICS) – economical and effective
technique, particularly in high-volume cases.
- Extracapsular
Cataract Extraction (ECCE) – for advanced or complicated cataracts.
- Secondary
IOL Implantation – for aphakia management.
- YAG
Laser Capsulotomy – for posterior capsular opacification (PCO).
- Pediatric
Cataract Surgery – including lensectomy, IOL implantation, and
amblyopia management.
- Combined
Surgery – cataract with glaucoma (phaco + trabeculectomy) or cataract
with vitrectomy when needed.
Surgical Services
The department is equipped to handle routine, complex, and
referral cases with specialized surgical care:
- Day-care
Cataract Surgery – enabling rapid recovery and early discharge.
- Micro-incision
Cataract Surgery (MICS) – advanced technique with minimal wound size.
- Premium
IOL Services – toric, multifocal, and aspheric IOLs for refractive
correction.
- Complicated
Cataract Management – trauma-related cataracts, subluxated lens, and
cataracts with uveitis.
- Anterior
Vitrectomy – in cases of posterior capsule rupture.
- Pediatric
Cataract Surgical Services – specialized care with general anesthesia
and postoperative visual rehabilitation.
- Refractive
Cataract Surgery – cataract surgery combined with spectacle
independence solutions.
Cataract Services – Treatment Plans & Strategies
The Cataract Department at NIOH adopts a comprehensive
and inclusive approach for cataract management across all age groups:
- Community
Outreach & Screening: Organizing cataract detection camps and
referral programs for rural and underserved populations.
- Early
Detection Programs: Routine eye screening for elderly and diabetic
patients.
- Customized
Surgical Planning: Individualized IOL selection and surgical technique
based on patient needs and systemic health.
- Postoperative
Rehabilitation: Vision correction, amblyopia therapy (for children),
and low-vision support if required.
- Training
& Capacity Building: Training ophthalmology residents and surgeons
in modern cataract techniques (Phaco, MSICS).
- Research
& Development: Participation in national programs for blindness
prevention and innovation in surgical techniques.
- Affordable
& Accessible Care: Providing free or subsidized surgeries under
national blindness prevention initiatives.