What are cataracts?
The cataract is the progressive opacification of the crystalline lens, so as it evolves, a gradual reduction of vision occurs. Cataracts are normally associated with age, although they can be congenital, caused by trauma or see their formation accelerated in certain diseases, as well as after taking some medications.
Usually, the loss of transparency of cataracts occurs progressively and slowly, so it may not be appreciated for a long time and one can get used to a visual acuity that is not really good enough. His solution is surgical.
How do I know if I have cataracts?
Cataracts cause a progressive loss of vision both far and near, with the sensation of blurred vision and halos around lights, with increasing discomfort when exposed to high light conditions.
Types of cataracts
Subcapsular cataract
The subcapsular cataract occurs at the back of the lens. The patients most at risk of suffering from this type of cataract are those who have diabetes or take high doses of steroids.
Nuclear cataract
The nuclear cataract occurs in the central zone of the crystalline lens. This cataract is mainly associated with age.
Cortical cataract
This type of cataract occurs in the cortex of the lens. This type of cataract occurs when small white opacities around the lens begin to move towards the center of the lens in a radial manner.
Metabolic cataract
A metabolic cataract occurs as a secondary consequence of metabolic diseases that produce unique substances in the lens that accelerate its opacification.
Congenital cataract
It is called this way when the child is born with cataracts and they can be unilateral or bilateral. Its cause is mainly hereditary and cannot be prevented. It will be important to make a diagnosis for the early detection of any type of ophthalmological condition from birth.
Traumatic cataract
This type is associated with some type of eye injury, blow or bruise that can also damage other eye structures of greater or lesser severity.
Toxic cataract
It can arise from excessive abuse of drug intake or some types of toxins such as ergot, corticosteroids or paradichlorobenzene.
Radiation cataract
It can occur due to long-term exposure to a burst of ultraviolet, infrared or ionizing radiation.
Secondary cataracts
After a few months or even years, after the surgical treatment of the cataract, the posterior capsule of the crystalline lens could become opacified, and therefore, produce a reduction in both distant and near vision. It is what we call a secondary cataract. It is produced, therefore, by a migration of the epithelial cells of the lens or anterior capsule towards the posterior capsule.
Cataract treatment
The crystalline lens is the eye’s natural lens, responsible for the quality of images captured by the retina. Once damaged by the cataract, only surgical treatment will be able to reverse the condition. There are also medications and eye drops, but they are palliative measures.
It is through surgery that the patient’s visual acuity can be completely recovered. At NeoOftalmo, the surgical technique adopted is Phacoemulsification. For this, an intraocular lens (IO’S) is implanted in the place of the lens, performing its function. In addition, this technique allows you to solve other eye problems, such as:
- Astigmatism;
- Hyperopia;
- Myopia;
- Eyestrain.
The implantation of the lens is done through several calculations that analyze the path of light before the eyeball. Before implanting the lens, the damaged lens is removed. Then the prosthesis is placed through an incision. The procedure is quite simple and does not usually cause complications.
Choosing the Intraocular Lens is a very important step!
In some cases, choosing the correct lens makes it possible to reduce the degree of the lens of the patient’s glasses or even suspend the use of the accessory. For the elderly, for example, this is a huge increase in quality of life! However, the proper intraocular lens should be chosen by the doctor.
There are several types of lenses available in the market, varying in brand, price, imported and national. However, the accessory can be categorized into four main groups:
Toric Monofocal Intraocular Lens
With specific curvature, it is indicated for cases of medium or high-grade astigmatism. Thus ends the dependence on glasses away.
Non-Toric Monofocal Intraocular Lens
Indicated for patients with a low degree of astigmatism (below 1), low myopia and hyperopia of up to 6 degrees.
Multifocal Toric Intraocular Lens
It’s a more modern alternative that offers focus points for both far and near. It treats both problems at once as long as the patient has medium-grade astigmatism.
Non-Toric Multifocal Intraocular Lens
This lens also treats far and near, but the patient must have low-grade astigmatism. In some post-surgery cases, however, the patient can still wear prescription glasses.
Frequent questions
Can the cataract come back after surgery?
No, although over time the sac or capsule left in the surgery to hold the lens can opacify and the patient feels blurred vision similar to what he had with the cataract, but it is NOT another cataract. The solution is very simple, with laser, without going through the operating room and with the immediate recovery of visual acuity. This problem cannot occur a second time.
Can a cataract be operated with a laser?
Yes, the femtosecond laser technique today has brought about a revolution in the cataract surgical procedure since it allows a safer, more precise surgery and a quick postoperative period.
What are the preoperative tests for a cataract operation?
Yes, they are the following:
- Visual acuity and sight graduation.
- Diagnosis of the anterior and posterior segments of the eye.
- Endothelial count (both eyes).
- OCT of the macula (both eyes).
- Detailed ocular study (corneal topography, aberrometry, corneal pachymetry and laser biometry.
Why can’t both eyes be operated on at the same time in a cataract operation?
Except for some infrequent needs (such as high-risk patients, with Down Syndrome, etc.), we operate first on one eye and a week later on the other when we have verified that there is no inflammation or infection and that the parameters we have calculated are correct.
When can I lead a normal life after a cataract operation?
After 48 hours.
How many days off are needed?
Most daily activities can be done right away, although you should not take heavy weights the first few days.
What care should be taken after a cataract operation?
Fundamentally, comply with the eyedrop treatment prescribed by our ophthalmologist and go to the consultation if we notice pain, sudden loss of vision or any other symptom that we did not notice before the last check-up.
Is it possible to travel by plane after a cataract operation?
After verifying in the first reviews that the postoperative period is normal, you can travel by any means of transport.
Is cataract surgery a painful operation?
In the immediate postoperative period, there may be some mild discomfort that normally does not require painkillers.
How long does a lens implant in the eye last after a cataract operation?
The intraocular lens is made of a biocompatible material whose degradation time is much higher than that of any living tissue, so it lasts a lifetime.
Which lens is the most appropriate to replace the natural lens of the eye in cataract surgery?
For a long time, traditional cataract surgery consisted of replacing the affected lens without taking into account the patient’s refraction. For this reason, patients should always use glasses after surgery for distance, near or both. Currently, and thanks to the introduction of Premium Lenses, multifocal intraocular lenses designed to eliminate dependence on glasses, we can achieve correct vision at all distances, allowing good vision from afar, at an intermediate distance and near, depending on the needs and visual requirements of each patient. The quality of vision after cataract surgery or eye strain with an IOL implant is determined by the characteristics of the selected lens.
