Cataract operations are surgical operations aimed at treating cataracts, which are the formation of a cloudy mass on the eye's lens due to the clumping of proteins, leading to deterioration of vision over time. Cataract surgery is one of the most common and safest procedures. Below we will be able to learn together everything related to the operation. Removing cataracts from the eye, complications, and prices of cataract surgeries, as well as tips after cataract surgery and lens implantation.
Who are the candidates for white water operations?
The older you get, the more likely you are to develop cataracts.
The early stages of cataracts do not cause significant visual impairment and do not require surgery.
Usually, the doctor recommends cataract surgery when cataracts begin to noticeably affect vision and daily activities.
Signs that prompt a doctor to perform cataract surgery include:
• Blurred vision.
• Poor night vision.
• Blurred color vision.
• Sensitivity to glare and bright lights.
• Halos around lights.
• Double vision.
Types of cataract surgeries:
Most types of modern cataract surgery involve replacing the cloudy lens and implanting a new lens. Some of the most common cataract surgery techniques include:
Phacoemulsification
During phacoemulsification, the surgeon makes a 2- to 3-millimeter incision in the front of the eye to insert an ultrasound probe.
The probe breaks up the opaque lens with vibration and removes the fragments with suction, then inserts a foldable lens through the incision. This technique leaves behind a small wound that does not require sutures to heal.
Manual cataract surgery with a small incision
The procedure involves a small V-shaped incision that is narrower on the outside of the eye and wider on the inside.
The outer incision is about 6.5mm to 7mm and the inner incision is up to 11mm.
Laser cataract operations
The surgeon uses a laser to make an incision in the eye instead of a manual incision. The laser also helps get rid of cataracts and reduces cataracts, which requires less energy to emulsify the lens and helps in faster healing.
Lasers can be used to correct astigmatism by making an arcuate incision.
What are the types of cataract lenses?
The types of lenses after cataract surgery are divided into two main types:
Scleral lenses
The use of scleral lenses has decreased greatly in recent times after the emergence of modern technologies used in cataract surgery, such as ultrasound and femto laser.
Soft Lenses
Soft lenses are the most commonly used type of lens after cataract surgery at present, and are divided into many types:
Monofocal lenses
Monofocal lenses help to improve the level of vision for distant distances, and these lenses achieve good night vision for the patient. They have two types: spherical lenses and aspheric lenses.
Toric lenses
Toric lenses are a modern type of lens that helps to correct the problem of astigmatism for cataract patients.
Multifocal lenses
Multifocal lenses are used to correct vision for both near and far distances. There has been a breakthrough in the manufacture of these lenses, making them suitable and comfortable for many patients.
Preparation for Cataract Surgery
The eye doctor will perform some tests and measurements a week before the procedure, which will help to determine the size and shape of the eye and determine the best techniques for the cataract surgery.
The doctor may prescribe some therapeutic drops to start using before surgery.
The doctor will ask you to stop eating any solid food 6 hours before surgery.
Steps of Cataract Surgery
The procedures that the surgeon performs vary depending on the surgical technique he uses.
Results of Cataract Surgery in the Eye
Recovery begins in the first few days after the procedure, and the patient feels a significant improvement, although full recovery may take up to a month.
The doctor will prescribe eye drops to treat pain and prevent infections.
During the recovery period, you should wear sunglasses while outdoors to protect your eyes from the sun.
Complications of Cataract Surgery
Although cataract surgery in the eye is safe, like all surgeries, it may include some complications such as:
1-Cloudiness in the eye after surgery
A cloudy layer called posterior capsule opacification can form behind the implant. It can be treated in about 5 minutes with a technique that uses a laser.
2-Blurred vision after cataract surgery
Blurriness is normal for a short time after surgery, and it disappears within days, but it may take longer in some cases.
3-Dry eye after surgery
Dry eye is a common symptom after surgery, and it is treated with eye drops.
4-Pain in the eye after surgery
Pain is expected and can be treated with drops and painkillers, but severe pain may be a sign of infection or other complications.
5-Double vision after surgery
Double vision can have many causes, but it is often the result of new visual acuity, but it disappears within a few days.
6-Infection
Eye infections may occur due to an infection that affects the internal eye fluids, but it occurs in only 0.05 to 0.30%.
7-Anesthesia sensitivity
It is possible to have an allergic reaction from anesthesia, but severe reactions are relatively rare.
Best sleeping position after cataract surgery
It is advised to try to sleep on your back or the other side of the healthy eye; to avoid direct pressure that may displace the lens.
When can you exercise after cataract surgery?
You should avoid strenuous activities immediately after surgery. The doctor may advise you to take at least one week off from strenuous activities, and after that, you can gradually exercise.
Tips after cataract surgery and lens implantation
The recommendations for protecting the eye after cataract surgery in the eye include avoiding:
Cataract surgery prices
Cataract surgery prices vary from country to country, and they also vary from surgeon to surgeon, depending on several factors, including:
You can contact Dr. Osama Abdel Hakim to find out more about cataract surgery prices.
Finally, cataract surgery is one of the most common and safe surgeries, and the procedure is quick and does not require hospitalization.
If you are suffering from vision impairment due to cataracts, you can consult Dr. Osama Abdel Hakim to see if you are a good candidate for surgery.
Now that you know about cataract surgery, book an appointment with Dr. Osama Abdel Hakim, a consultant ophthalmologist, and surgeon for strabismus, eyelid, and lacrimal duct surgery at Moroccan Eye Hospital in Dubai and founder and director of Medical Eye Center in Egypt.
