Cataract Surgery - Questions and Answers
What is cataract?
The term cataract refers to the opacification of the natural lens of our eye (the lens of the eye), which gradually loses its transparency. This process is the result of biological and biochemical changes that occur in the fibres of the lens.
What are the causes of cataract?
The vast majority of cataracts occur due to processes associated with ageing (senile origin). Some systemic pathologies, such as diabetes mellituscan accelerate these processes. Apart from cataracts of senile origin, there may also be cataracts of congenital origin (from birth) or of traumatic origin.
Can cataracts be avoided?
No, although there are some studies and attempts to produce drugs that slow down the appearance of cataracts, there is still no scientific evidence that they are effective.
What are the symptoms of cataract?
The main symptom of cataract is the feeling of blurred or cloudy vision which results in a decrease in vision. Depending on the severity and type of cataract there may be symptoms such as glare, decreased contrast sensitivity and/or changes in colour vision or doubling of images (diplopia).
How is it treated?
The only effective treatment is surgery. Cataract surgery consists of removing the cataract and implanting an intraocular lens.
Is cataract surgery painful?
No. A local anaesthetic is given before the operation. At certain moments during the cataract operation you may only feel a slight pressure due to increased pressure or during the insertion of the intraocular lens.
What is laser cataract surgery?
Currently cataract surgery can be assisted with femtosecond laser. The laser opens the capsule evenly and centred on the visual axis (very important for good centration especially in the case of implanting a multifocal lens) and will divide the cataract into smaller pieces, making it easier to remove. This translates into the use of less ultrasound energy making recovery more comfortable and faster. The use of the femtosecond laser also reduces some of the surgical risks.
Can I have the cataract operation on both eyes on the same day?
It is not often that surgery is performed on both eyes on the same day, nor is it recommended because of the surgical risk. In exceptional situations it may be possible.
How can I manage the difference in vision between first and second eye surgery?
Ideally you should schedule the two surgeries within a short time of each other. The difference may be uncomfortable and so one method you can apply is to remove the lens of your glasses from the operated eye in order to tolerate the gradation. In other situations, it may be more comfortable just not to wear your glasses, as the operated eye will already have satisfactory vision.
Can I have cataracts again after surgery?
No. Sometimes the implanted lens can accumulate various cell deposits, causing the lens to become "dirty". When this happens, the signs and symptoms you experience are in fact similar to those you had when the cataract was present, and you may therefore be misled. The treatment for these situations is based on the application of YAG laser. This procedure is short and painless.
Will I need glasses after my cataract operation?
The need to wear glasses depends on the type of intraocular lens that is implanted. There are various lens options, which according to their geometry correct vision for different distances.
The premium premium lenses are those that allow you to be independent of glasses after surgery.
What are Premium lenses?
Premium lenses are the result of the evolution of biomaterials and their optical quality. With the evolution of surgery and methods for calculating the power of the lenses to be implanted, Premium lenses make it possible to make patients independent of spectacles and contact lenses.
Why premium lenses?
The fact of being able to achieve independence from correction by glasses in any situation of daily life, whether personal or professional, is very desirable and actually defines the demand for this type of surgery.
Premium lenses are also the only ones to achieve presbyopia thanks to multifocality. It is the only effective way to do this.
Is the Premium surgery more expensive?
The implantation of a premium lens depends not only on the condition of the eye, i.e. the state of eye health, but also on economic factors as they make the surgery more expensive.
The price of the lens and the elaborate calculation techniques are responsible for the higher value. The preferred use of the femtosecond laser is another factor, but it is also very important in this case in obtaining the desired end result.
What types of intraocular lenses are there?
After extraction of the cataract, an intraocular lens is implanted, which must be chosen according to the profile and needs of each patient.
There are:
- Monofocal lenses (which only correct distance vision);
- Toric (which corrects astigmatism);
- Edof (correct distance and intermediate vision);
- Multifocals (correct distance, intermediate and close-up);
- Multifocal-thoric (corrects distance, intermediate, near and astigmatism)
How long will it take after the surgery before I can carry out my daily tasks?
You will normally be able to carry out your usual tasks the following day, however, it is recommended that in the first few days you avoid making violent physical efforts and no sudden movements with your head should be made. Environments, such as swimming pools, are not recommended. Activities that require a very detailed view, such as using a computer or tabletcan be done but may cause some discomfort in the first few days. After two weeks you can generally resume your normal life.
If I need glasses after surgery, when will they be prescribed?
After cataract surgery, there will be several follow-up appointments to assess the progress of recovery. When there is refractive stability, your doctor will be able to prescribe a prescription. This usually takes about 1 month. If necessary, temporary glasses will be recommended.
What if I choose not to treat the cataract?
Cataract is the leading cause of reversible blindness. If you choose not to treat it, contrary to medical advice, the evolution of the cataract can lead to significant loss of vision and blindness. In addition, the more dense it is, i.e. the later it is operated on, the more risks there are associated with cataract surgery.
Does my health insurance cover the surgery?
Currently, CPO - Private Clinic of Ophthalmology has agreements with several insurance companies such as Médis, Multicare, Advancecare, among several others and since yours is on the list, you may be entitled to a co-payment for cataract surgery.
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