|
Cataract surgery
A cataract is a cloudiness in the normally clear lens of the eye that impairing of visual acuity in different degrees. Lenses are capsules filled with a clear gel and when the gel becomes cloudy than incoming light beams are blocked or distorted before reaching the retina. With the passing of time vision is increasingly reduced. Cataracts are commonly caused by age, most often above 40 years old (chemical changes within the lenses that become harder and cloudy). Most cataracts are small and do not affect vision acuity during middle age. Severe injuries, certain drugs and chemicals as well as ionized radiation and some diseases (diabetes for example) may also cause cataracts.
Common cataract symptoms: - gradual loss of vision - haziness, blurring and distortion of vision - dark spots or shadows moving within eyes - need for more and more light to read - night glare or halos around lights - double vision in some cases - light from the sun or lamp seem to be too bright - white or yellow pupil in more advanced stage.
Cataract surgery Unfortunately we do not know any effective treatment methods to prevent or reverse the development of cataracts till today. Vitamins A, C or E may only delay cataract progress. Also any way to prevent cataracts or reverse their effects is not known. Cloudy lenses are not to be able to become clear again. Surgery is only known cure methods for cataract and may restore good vision in almost 100% of the cases. Clouded lenses are removed and usually replaced with clear artificial lenses. The cataract surgery involves two main steps:
In modern surgery treatment using in our clinic the entire lens and its capsule are not removed. Surgeon making a small incision in the front of capsule to remove cloudy internal gel. The rest of the capsule is left and provides a sac for new artificial lens. Special ultrasound probe with controlled vibration power is used for breaking up hardened gel and then suction it out of the eye accurately. This procedure is called phacoemulsification and causes minimal risk to the eye. In the next step the tiny artificial lens is inserted into the original lens capsule for restoring the focusing power that has been lost after removing clouded lens. Clear vision can be restored almost immediately after surgery but glasses may be needed for some activities such as reading. Serious problems after surgery are very rare and can be resolved quickly. There is nothing to worry about it.
Usually patient returns to his / her optometrist for after surgery care. During follow-up period surgeon and optometrist working together to monitor vision restoration level and healing process. In about 30% of patients clear capsule becomes cloudy again. Do not worry about it, it can be easily treated with the laser and does not required second cataract surgery. Laser beam is used to make a small opening in the back of the cloudy capsule and restore clear vision immediately.
Our service includes: - consultation in surgical treatment of all types of cataracts - consultation regarding intraocular lens problems - surgical treatment and implementation of modern intraocular lenses - follow-up evaluation and treatment |
