Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery

       Cataract surgery consists in replacing the natural lens with an artificial one. Nowadays cataract surgery by phacoemulsification has become one of the safest and most effective surgical procedures. This surgery is made in an ambulatory day-hospitalization - with topical anesthesia (local anesthesia) and lasts an average of 15 minutes. The patient leaves the hospital the same day. The incision is small (2.2 to 3.2 mm), the entire procedure developing under the microscope. Through this incision, the doctor removes the affected lens through a method of ultrasound: (phacoemulsification). Then enters in the lenses capsule the artificial implant. Because the incision is very small, it is not necessary to suture, but you need to wear an eye bandage for several days.

Cataract surgery FAQ:

       Am I allowed to eat?
6 hours before surgery is necessary to interrupt any food as an additional measure in case you could experience vomiting feeling. You may drink water if you are thirsty.

       When should I come?
The patient must arrive an hour and a half before the surgery. This time is necessary for changing in hospital equipment, various formalities, pupil dilation and anesthesia.

       When I will leave the hospital?
The patient can leave hospital immediately after the surgery is completed. It is recommended that the patient to spend 10-15 minutes in day hospital to relax and not drive the car on departure.

       How the anesthesia is made?
It is used the topical anesthesia, meaning an anesthesia that is obtained by dripping an anesthetic into the conjunctival sac. In the exceptional cases, the surgeon may recommend an injection behind the eye or the general anesthesia.

       What can I eat?
There are no food restrictions.

       For how long I must keep the dressing?
The dressing can be removed after only one day after the cataract surgery. After the dressing had been removed you have no other restriction left, you just have to administrate your drops according to the treatment.

       Am I allowed to watch television?
You do not have any restrictions in terms of watching TV, computer monitor, etc.. It is not necessary any visual rest.

Cataract surgery pictures

How does whole cataract surgery devolves

       The lens extraction by phacoemulsification consists in removing the crystal cataract material by irrigation - aspiration, after "its fragmentation" with the help of ultrasounds. This method requires a device that works in a closed system that requires irrigation fluid. The principle of the method is based on the destruction of the lens, irrigation - aspiration, all these processes being carried out by means of electrodes placed in the eye. The method of phacoemulsification has as advantage a small incision (about three millimeters), with spectacular results. The small incision reduces the risk of intraoperative incidents and of some postoperative complications. Also, allows that the operation to be done without hospitalization, with local anesthesia. The introduced crystalline allows one to see better in distance or near and requires glasses. Today exists the multifocal crystalline, which exempt patients to wear glasses.

Important in cataract surgery

       Before surgery you must do a number of preparations:

• Ultrasound;
• Ocular biometry;
• The usual analysis: blood counts, blood glucose, urea, creatinine, ECG;
• Cardiology consultation.

Cataract surgery - tell the doctor.

       You need to announce your doctor if you take certain medications at the time.