Cataracts are treated surgically. However, this operation is now treated as a normal procedure - relatively simple and safe. And also fast - it only takes a dozen or so minutes.
Currentlycataract surgeryare becoming safer and less burdensome for the patient. Treatments are often performed under local anesthesia: drip anesthesia. Importantly, treatments in Poland are no different from those carried out in the United States or in Western Europe.Cataract surgeryis a standard procedure performed on an outpatient basis. The procedure itself takes several minutes. With uncomplicated cataracts, the stay in the clinic lasts only a few hours, and with more complicated cataracts - two or more days. Follow-up visits are necessary afterwards.
Cataract surgery: Phacoemulsification
The operation consists in implanting a new, artificial lens in place of the diseased lens. During this routine surgery, a small incision is made in the eye. Using a small tool the size of a pen tip, the surgeon removes the cloudy lens. This can be done using the so-called fluid emulsification, without the use of ultrasound, in which delicate jets of fluid are used to rinse the cloudy lens. The procedure can also be performed using an ultrasound tool that breaks and gently removes the cloudy lens. This method is called phacoemulsification.
Phacoemulsification is a commonly used cataract removal procedure. This cataract surgery, abbreviated as "phaco", is performed using a special device. It is equipped with a vibrating ultrasonic tip that is used to gently crush the cataract and remove it from the eye.
Artificial lens
After completing this stage of the procedure, the surgeon places an artificial intraocular lens in the eye. Modern lenses used in cataract surgery are made of very durable materials and their application - due to the fact that they are "rolled" - is done through a small incision (approx. 3 mm). Only when placed in the right place do they take their natural shape. Artificial lenses more and more perfectly imitate the functions of a he althy human lens. They even have UV filters that protect the delicate interior of the eye from harmful radiation,appropriate optical parameters that allow you to see a sharp image in the entire field.
Recovery after cataract removal
After surgery, visual acuity gradually improves. Most patients who have had cataract surgerywith artificial lens implants do not need glasses on a daily basis. However, for close-up work, they need glasses with lenses focusing approx. Plus 4 diopters. It is related to the lack of accommodation in the eye with the artificial lens. In people with myopia (who are used to wearing glasses for distance) and in people who work mainly close up, intraocular lenses with the power to ensure good vision from close distances are implanted. To look into the distance, they need glasses with diffusing lenses of approx. Minus 4 diopters.