
A cataract is caused by the loss of the normal transparency of the crystalline lens (the eye’s natural lens), which progressively becomes opaque and gradually reduces vision. Cataracts normally appear with age, although they can be congenital or caused by trauma. They occur in 50% of people between 65 and 75 years old and in 75% of people over 75 years old.
The formation of cataracts is normally slow and progressive, which is why they can go unnoticed for a long time.
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Cataract surgery
Currently, the only effective treatment is surgery. Cataracts cannot be corrected with glasses and attempts to prevent their emergence have been unsuccessful.
The surgical technique that is currently used in cases of cataracts is phacoemulsification. This technique uses ultrasound waves to dissolve the cataract and aspirate it. Upon removing the crystalline lens, it is necessary to replace its dioptric power with an intraocular lens.
There are currently several choices of intraocular lenses. There are “monofocal” lenses, with which the patienteye will be able to see at a distance and would only need glasses for near vision. “Multifocal” lenses, on the other hand, provide good far and near vision,ermit and this makes most patients totally independent from glasses. However, not everyone is a good candidate for multifocal lenses., and a This can only be determined after a complete eye exam. For patients with severe astigmatism, we currently have available “toric” lenses, which are capable of completely eliminating astigmatism.
The surgery usually lasts between 10 and 15 minutes; afterwards, the patient will remain in the clinic for about 45 minutes.
Recovery after cataract surgery is fast and painless, since the minimally invasive techniques we use cause minimal trauma to the eyeball. Complete visual recovery usually occurs by the second or third day after surgery. The patient must avoid physical activity for one week and aquatic activities for two weeks.
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