Cataract surgery

Cataracts surgery are due to the partial or total opacity of the eye’s crystalline lens. With age, the crystalline lens, the eye’s natural refractive lens that allows objects to be focused and light to pass through, gradually loses transparency and causes loss of vision.

Symptoms

Cataracts surgery can develop in one or both eyes. They always do so slowly and progressively so, depending on the size and areas of lens opacity, a person may not realise they are developing a cataract. Here are the main symptoms:

  • Glare, especially at night, making driving difficult.
  • Alteration in the perception of colours.
  • Diplopia or double vision.
  • Blurred or opaque vision.
  • Frequent changes in your spectacle or contact lens prescription.
Causes

Cataracts surgery appear due to the ageing of the crystalline lens. However, there are some risk factors that can favour the appearance of cataracts and, as a consequence, the loss of vision:

– Having diabetes.
– Eye trauma.
– Inflammation of the eyes (uveitis).
– Family background.
– Prolonged use of corticosteroids or other drugs.
How can it be diagnosed?

There are various tests for the diagnosis of cataracts such as visual acuity testing. In a check-up, the doctor can detect a cataract while examining the eye with a slit lamp that allows the cataract and its degree of opacity to be seen. Thanks to the biometer, the dioptre of the lens to be implanted can be calculated.

What treatments are available?
The only really effective treatment is surgery. This technique basically consists of removing the opaque lens. During the operation, a small incision of less than 3 millimetres is made in the cornea. The cataract is then removed using ultrasound and, through the same incision, an intraocular lens is inserted to replace the opaque lens.
When is the best time for surgery?

At PRESBIT we work with our patients to decide the best time to undergo surgery, which is usually when vision loss affects their quality of life..

Currently, cataract surgery is performed as soon as possible, when the patient begins to notice the symptoms and to perceive a deterioration in the quality of their vision (regardless of whether or not they have other refractive problems such as myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism or presbyopia).

We work with the best mutual insurance companies.
Get informed!