When the first symptoms of cataract become apparent, it is possible to temporarily improve one’s vision using new prescription glasses, strengthening the bi-focal correction, increasing the image (e.g. using a magnifying glass), good lighting or using other optical aids.
Should there be severe worsening of the cataract and therefore also worsening of vision, so much so that it should affect day to day existence, it is important to consider surgery. Many people consider deteriorating vision as an unavoidable sign of ageing. But cataract surgery is a fairly straightforward and virtually painless surgical procedure leading to restoration of good quality vision.
Course of the surgery
During cataract surgery, the surgeon firstly removes the cloudy natural lens from the eye and in most cases replaces it with a clear artificial intraocular lens. The surgery is usually ambulatory and does not require hospitalisation. Most modern cataract surgeries are carried out using a high-frequency ultrasound device that divides the cloudy lens into miniscule pieces. These fragments are subsequently gently suctioned out of the eye.
This method, known as phacoemulsification (or simply phaco), is performed using much smaller incisions than were used in previous surgical techniques for the elimination of a cataract. These incisions enable faster healing and reduce the risk of complications such as for example the detachment of the retina.
Once all the bits of the affected lens are removed from within the eye, the surgeon inputs the clear new artificial intraocular lens. The surgeon then secures the lens in the area beyond the iris and pupil – into the exact same spot where your natural lens was originally. (In some rare cases, the lens may be placed in front of the iris and pupil, but this is far less common.) The surgeon then completes the procedure by closing the incisions in the eye (sutures may or may not be used) and a protective bandage is placed over the eye.
Implantation of a multifocal intraocular lens using an injector
Monofocal intraocular lens centred within the casing
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Advantages of intraocular lenses
Intraocular lenses are continuously being improved through new research and development. This is done in such a way to make the surgery less complicated for the surgeons while bringing maximum comfort to the patients. Intraocular lenses correcting presbyopia can make a significant improvement in your vison on all distances, not just one. Another type of intraocular lens blocks out not only ultra-violet (UV) rays (this is something that all implants do) but also that part of the blue spectrum, that could cause damage to the central part of the retina.
Possible risks
Intraocular lens implantation having extracted cataract or as part of refractive lens exchange is a relatively safe procedure. Risks, that come hand in hand with an invasive eye surgery may include (not only with the onset of infection) increased intraocular pressure, oedema of the cornea, posterior capsule opacification (PCO), de-centralisation of the implant, macular oedema and detachment of the retina.
Serious infection that may threaten vision (e.g. endophthalmitis) are rare but remain, to date, a potential complication of any intraocular surgery.