Cataract
What is a cataract?

A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye. Most cataracts are related to aging. Cataracts are the clouding of the normally transparent lens of the eye which affects vision. The lens focuses light rays on the retina, the inner and back part of the eye, producing the image we see.

When the lens is blurred, light rays do not pass easily, thus the image of what we see is blurred. O cataract is the result of age, but may occur after:
  • Trauma to the eye.
  • Some diseases.
  • Some medication.
  • Family factors.
  • Prolonged (unprotected) sunlight exposure.
  • Previous intraocular (mostly) surgery.


What is not a cataract?

• There is not a membrane over the eye.
• Not caused by overuse of the eye.
• is not malignant disease.
• Not be transmitted from eye to eye.
• Not cause permanent blindness.

It there a right time to have cataract removal surgery?


The decision to have cataract surgery is one that you and your eye doctor will make together.
In younger people or those with diabetes, however, cataracts may develop more quickly.
Base your decision on your degree of vision loss and your ability to function in daily life.
In general, surgery is recommended if the results of your visual acuity test are 4-5/10 (20/50) or worse, even with eyeglasses.

Think about how the cataract affects your daily life.
Can you see to do your job or drive safely?
Can you read or watch television in comfort?
Does lack of vision affect your level of independence?

Your lifestyle and occupational needs should be central to your decision.
Although your doctor cannot make the final decision for you.

How is cataract treated?


When first appear, the cataract may not need treatment if vision is not affected. In such cases a change in wear glasses can correct vision for a short time.
When a cataract formed, there are no medicines, eye drops, exercises or glasses that can cure cataracts. So when you will not be able to see clearly enough, then you should consider surgery.
Cataracts can not be removed by LASER, but only by a very small incision coupled with the use of ultrasound waves (phacoemulsification with small incision).
During the surgery is removed the blurred lens of the eye and is replaced by (insertion) of a permanent synthetic lenses.

What can I expect if I decide to perform surgery?

Before the surgery:
When you and your doctor decide your cataract must be removed, a clinical and laboratory monitoring is necessary. Ask if you should continue taking medication usually get. We made measurements in the eye to determine the characteristics of permanent synthetic lenses which will become the nest during the surgery.

On the day of surgery:
The surgery is done as if you are an outpatient (in rare cases require a stay in hospital for general health and frequent postoperative monitoring). You need not to take any food, you will be given eye drops and perhaps some other drugs. Local anesthesia (during the surgery procedure) makes the cataract extraction painless. You can see movements of surgeons. The skin around your eye will be thoroughly cleansed and sterilized equipment will be placed on and around your head. After staying a few minutes, you will be able to go home (unless you want to stay). When you go back to your home you need to be with someone.

After surgery you should:
• To put the eye drops as specified.
• Do not press or rub your eye.
• To continue with normal everyday activities (unless they get a different directive).

How is the surgery?
Using a microscope and microsurgical instruments we do small incision in the eye. With microsurgical instruments the cloudy lens is cut into small pieces using ultrasounds system and then removed.
The rear and the peripheral part of the membrane of the lens remain in place and are the ''bag" for the permanent synthetic lenses, posted in this phase.

Complications:
Infection, bleeding, increased intraocular pressure, swelling of the retina are some of the complications. You should contact your doctor immediately if after surgery:
• feel pain not relieved by painkillers.
• have vision loss.
• sick, vomit or have excessive cough.
• injured near the eye.

When we use LASER?
The rear of the membrane of the lens blur sometimes several months or even years after surgery. If the membrane prevents blurring your vision, then with the use of a specific LASER, is open the posterior part of this membrane. The whole process is painless.

Remove of cataract will improve eyesight?

In over 95% of cases the surgery improves vision, but a small number of patients will still have problems due to various reasons.
Even if the surgery crowned with complete success, your eye may not see as clearly as we would like. This may be due to existing problems of your eye like macular degeneration, to damage from diabetes or glaucoma, or retinal detachment and more. If your eye is healthy, the chances to get good vision are excellent.
 
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