Departments

Department of Cataract

How is cataract treated today?

The decision to treat the cataract can be taken once the condition begins to affect the quality of vision, consequently hindering the patient's everyday activities (safe car driving, reading, watching television). Based on your symptoms, your ophthalmologist and yourself will decide on when to schedule the operation.

It is no longer true that the cataract must be "mature" to be removed. With the new techniques (phacoemulsification, laser) this notion is now considered outdated. On the contrary, the removal of an over-mature, hard cataract makes the operation more difficult.

The examination of the eyes before the operation is performed in order to evaluate the overall condition of the eyes, the type of the cataract, as well as to take the necessary measurements which will allow the doctor to select the right lens for the eye. The detailed ophthalmological examination includes measurements of vision and of the cornea curvature, measurement of the eye pressure and evaluation of the fundus. Also, with the help of an ultrasound, we measure the eye's length and calculate the power of the artificial intraocular lens which we will place during the operation.

Today, the cataract is removed using the phacoemulsification technique and photolysis with laser. Through a small incision of 2-3mm., using a probe which sends out ultrasounds or laser, the cataract is liquidized and at the same time, suctioned. At the end, an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) is placed permanently. The operation is completed without stiches and vision is restored immediately.

The patient returns to his house after the operation, without need for recovery in hospital. The patient can go on with his daily activities starting from the very next day. The patient’s vision is already improved after the operation and gets better as time goes by. The operation is carried out with local anaesthesia (eye drops) and the patient leaves the operating room with no protective patch.

The IOL placed in the eye has the ability to correct myopia or hyperopia, so the patient no longer needs glasses after the operation. A small number of patients need corrective glasses for some activities (driving, television). The surgeon discusses the post-operative correction approach with the patient in order to cover his or her demands and needs.

On the day of the operation the patient is advised that he or she be escorted by a relative who will transport them to and from the hospital. The patient will remain in hospital for 2-3 hours for preoperative preparation, operation and post-operative care.

The night before the operation, the patient must have a light dinner and on the day of the operation it is better that he or she not have any breakfast. It is important that the patient takes his or her usual medication (for blood pressure, a heart condition or blood sugar), except for aspirin.

Following the operation, the patient remains in the recovery room for a while and leaves the hospital as soon as he or she feels well enough. The eye surgeon will recommend the appropriate eye drops which the patient will use at home after the operation and will give him or her the necessary instructions. After the operation, it is important that the patient not rub his or her eye and that the eye does not come into contact with water for one week.