Did you know that people aged 55 – 60 and older often experience cataracts? This condition occurs due to the deterioration of the eye’s lens, causing the previously clear lens to become cloudy and less transparent. This reduces the amount of light that reaches the retina, leading to symptoms such as blurred vision, which many of our parents or grandparents may experience.
For mild cases, vision may improve with new prescription glasses, magnifying lenses, or better lighting. However, if these methods are ineffective, surgery can be performed to treat cataracts through “cataract phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation.” This procedure involves breaking down the cloudy lens using ultrasound waves and replacing it with a clear artificial lens to correct vision.
Why should cataracts be treated surgically ?
Cataracts that cloud the lens interfere with daily activities and can increase the risk of accidents due to impaired vision. “Cataract phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation” is currently the only method that can restore clear vision.
How is cataract surgery performed ?
The surgeon uses ultrasound waves to break up the cataract through a small incision of about 2 – 3 millimeters. The ultrasound waves allow the cloudy lens to fragment into tiny pieces, which can then be suctioned out through the tube. After cataract removal, the surgeon inserts an intraocular lens (IOL), a clear plastic material with a diameter of 5-6 millimeters, to replace the natural lens, providing clearer vision. The surgery usually takes between 15 minutes to one hour, and there are several types of lenses to choose from:
- Standard IOL: A single-focus lens that allows for clear distance vision, but reading glasses are needed for close-up work.
- Multifocal IOL: A lens with multiple zones that provide different focusing powers for both distance and near vision, although patients may need some time to adapt.
- Toric IOL: A lens that corrects astigmatism, eliminating the need for glasses for patients who had astigmatism prior to surgery, capable of correcting around 100 – 200 degrees.
Are there risks with intraocular lens surgery ?
As with any surgical procedure, risks or complications can arise during cataract surgery. Possible complications include infection, which can usually be treated with antibiotics and is uncommon and generally mild. In some cases, hospitalization may be required. Other potential issues include eye inflammation, redness, swelling of the eyelids, and corneal swelling. However, patients can minimize surgical risks by following their ophthalmologist’s pre- and post-operative instructions.
