Cataract Surgery: How Does It Work?

Cataract surgery is needed when cataracts develop in the patient’s eyes. Cataracts consist of the opacification (that is, the increase in the density of something transparent) of all or part of the crystal lens. The crystal lens is one of the lenses in the human eye.

Cataracts gradually reduce vision. And here’s the problem: the only way to solve it is through surgery.

It is a pathology often associated with age. However, it can also be congenital or caused by some kind of trauma. In addition, certain diseases or medications can accelerate its progression. It progresses gradually, so the person suffering from it may even get used to the poor eyesight.

Cataracts are the most common cause of vision loss in people over 40 years of age. In fact, cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in the world. In this article, we explain how the surgery procedure for cataracts usually works.

What are the symptoms of cataracts?

As we said, the crystal lens loses transparency with age. As a result, cataracts gradually diminish the quality of vision. The main symptom is the feeling of blurred vision. This makes simple activities like reading or watching television difficult, and it doesn’t get better with glasses.

Another symptom that commonly occurs is intolerance to light. The person suffering from cataracts finds that lights are too bright or too blinding. Therefore, activities such as driving become complicated. On the other hand, colors are perceived in a less intense way.

Cataracts can also lead to double vision or vision problems at night. If you have any of these symptoms, it is best to see an eye doctor. They will perform the necessary examinations and will indicate whether cataract surgery is necessary.

A cataract surgery

In the past, cataract surgery was a complicated process that specialists performed only if the vision loss was excessive.

Today, eye specialists perform it when the first symptoms appear, since it is an outpatient surgery. It takes about 15 to 30 minutes and the people undergoing it only need a local anesthetic.

Cataract surgery is therefore a quick and painless process. It has little risk and specialists can perform it in a variety of ways.

Femtosecond laser surgery

First, the laser opens the lens in a circular motion. This is extracted using the femtosecond laser, which uses less energy than traditional surgery. This usually makes recovery easier. Then the specialist implants an intraocular lens that usually solves other vision problems as well.

The advantages of this procedure are that it causes less eye damage. This type of cataract surgery is more accurate and with a quick postoperative period.

Traditional manual cataract surgery

Specialists usually opt for manual cataract surgery. They make a micro-incision that they use to fragment the core of the cataract. The fragments that come loose are sucked out. Then they introduce an intraocular lens made of synthetic material.

The specialist places the lens in the cataract capsule in the incision. This lens can help correct other defects, such as astigmatism or nearsightedness. No stitches are required for this surgery.

Benefits of cataract surgery

While any surgery can be a little scary, in this case it’s a simple procedure. The benefits of cataract surgery are many, as there is little risk and the benefit is enormous. There is no need to use general anesthesia, nor is hospitalization required.

Vision recovery is rapid after cataract surgery. In addition, the patient needs few postoperative checks. In the case of patients on special medication, it is not even necessary to stop this.

The cataract surgery can correct other visual disturbances that the patient has. For example, someone who suffers from myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism can also remedy these problems. It all depends on the lens that the ophthalmologist has placed intraocularly.

Conclusion

If you suffer from cataracts but are afraid of surgery, you really don’t have to worry! Cataract surgery is a simple surgery that can significantly improve your vision.

The risks are really minimal. Therefore, if you have symptoms, you should see an eye doctor. He or she will perform the relevant tests, explain the procedure better and help you make a decision.