Cataract Operation, How Is It?
Cataracts can cause blurred vision, photophobia, double vision, or trouble seeing at night. Why is cataract surgery convenient? Find out!
Cataracts consist of the total or partial opacification (that is, the increase in the density of something transparent) of the lens. The lens is one of the lenses that exist in the eye. Cataracts cause vision to be progressively reduced. His only solution is cataract surgery.
It is a pathology that is associated with age; however, they can also be congenital or caused by trauma. Even certain diseases or medications can accelerate its progression. As the most common is that they progress progressively, the person who suffers from them can get used to vision levels that are not good.
However, cataracts are the most common cause of vision loss in those over 40 years of age. In fact, they are the leading cause of blindness in the world. In this article we explain what the cataract operation procedure consists of.
What are the symptoms of cataracts?
As we have mentioned, with age the lens loses its transparency. Therefore, the quality of vision is progressively reduced. The main symptom is the feeling of blurred vision. This makes simple activities like reading or watching television difficult. Also, it does not improve with glasses.
Another symptom that usually appears is intolerance to light. The person suffering from cataracts feels that the lights are too bright or too dazzling. Therefore activities such as driving become complicated. On the contrary, colors are perceived less intensely.
Cataracts can also cause double vision or trouble seeing at night. Faced with any of these symptoms, the ideal is to go to an ophthalmologist. He will carry out the pertinent tests and will indicate the cataract operation is not necessary.
Cataract operation
Before, cataract surgery was a complicated process that was only performed when vision loss was excessive. Today it is performed when the first symptoms occur, since it is an outpatient operation. It lasts about 15 to 30 minutes and only local anesthesia is needed.
Cataract surgery is a quick and painless process. In fact, it has few risks and can be done in a number of ways.
Femtosecond laser operation
First, the lens is circularly opened. This is extracted using the femtosecond laser, which allows less energy to be used than that used in traditional surgery. Therefore, recovery is usually easier. An intraocular lens is then implanted, which usually fixes other vision problems.
The advantages of this procedure are that it produces less eye trauma. This type of cataract operation is more precise and with a quick postoperative period.
Traditional manual cataract operation
The manual cataract operation is the one that is used most frequently. A micro incision is made with which the nucleus of the cataract is fragmented. The fragments that emerge from it are aspirated. A synthetic material intraocular lens is then inserted.
The lens is placed inside the cataract capsule, which is spared at the incision. Such a lens can help correct other defects such as astigmatism or myopia. This procedure does not require stitches.
Advantages of cataract surgery
Although any operation can be scary, in this case it is a simple procedure. The advantages of cataract surgery are many, since there is little risk and the benefit is high. It is not necessary to use general anesthesia nor does it require hospital admission.
On the other hand, visual recovery is fast after cataract surgery. Also, few postoperative visits are needed. In fact, in the case of patients on special medication, it does not even need to be discontinued.
In addition, the cataract operation allows to correct certain previous vision defects. For example, a person suffering from myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism may improve. It all depends on the lens that is placed intraocularly. It is a specialized treatment.
Simple and efficient operation
If you suffer from cataracts, but you are afraid to operate, calm down. Cataract surgery is a simple procedure that can greatly improve your vision. The risks are minimal. Therefore, before any symptoms, you should go to an ophthalmologist. He will perform the relevant tests, explain the procedure better, and help you make a decision.
