Afraid of cataract surgery? This is how it works

Although cataract surgery is one of the most frequently performed and safest operations of all, it causes patients concern, sometimes even fear. This may stem from the feeling that they are going to undergo something they do not properly understand and have no experience with. Especially when it comes to eyesight, without which few people can imagine life.

If you also belong to this group, it may help you to learn more about the course of the surgery itself and about selected methods.


In today's article you will learn:

• how cataract surgery is performed using the most modern method FEMTO Z – Prelex
• how your vision will change after cataract surgery
• why the surgery should not be postponed

Have you been diagnosed with cataract? There is no reason to panic

Cataract is a completely common eye disease which in approximately ninety per cent of cases is the result of ageing. The clouding forms in the lens, which changes its properties with ageing and can no longer defend itself against some processes as effectively as in the past. And so almost every pensioner will encounter cataract. It is possible to avoid cataract if you undergo replacement of your natural lens, for example because of presbyopia. Presbyopia affects everyone around the age of 40. The most common solution is wearing reading glasses. However, these do not cure presbyopia, they only correct its manifestations – the inability to focus on near objects. The second solution is to undergo laser surgery, which permanently eliminates presbyopia, eliminates the risk of developing cataract and, if a multifocal or trifocal lens is implanted, the patient also gets rid of short-sightedness and/or long-sightedness.

If you have learned that cataract is the most common cause of blindness in the world, you need not worry at all. These are cases of untreated cataract. In our country, cataract surgery is completely common and some methods are even covered by health insurance companies.

With the FEMTO Z – Prelex method, your cataract will be removed in a few minutes

Replacing the natural lens of the eye with a new one - at first hearing it is very hard to imagine that this could be a quick and safe operation, isn't it? But it really is. Above all thanks to progress, which fully extends to the field of eye microsurgery as well, modern surgical procedures combined with state-of-the-art technologies have made cataract surgery the safest and most successful operation of all. Let us now look at what awaits you during it.

1. Preparatory phase

If, on the basis of a complete examination, the doctor diagnoses you with cataract, he or she will inform you about the treatment options. There is no form of treatment other than surgery, but within surgery you can choose from several methods. A comparison of the classic method with the modern method performed with a femtosecond laser is part of the following point.

The basis of the procedure is a comprehensive examination. The doctor needs to find out as much information as possible about your state of health, about the eyes themselves and about your habits, activities or bad habits. He or she will therefore probably ask quite a lot of questions. Specialised examinations help to calculate the exact power of the lenses, which will then be made to measure for you.

For a few days before the procedure you will have to put eye drops prescribed by your ophthalmologist into your eyes.

2. Performing the surgery

On the day of the surgery you will also undergo a pre-operative examination, the purpose of which is to rule out any acute eye disease. Anaesthetic drops will then be put into your eye to numb it. Thanks to them you will be fully conscious, but you will not feel any pain.

The next step is making an incision in the cornea and then an opening in the anterior capsule of the lens. With classic methods these steps are performed manually with sharp surgical instruments; the femtosecond laser performs them considerably more precisely, more gently and more safely.

The old lens is then removed. With classic methods the lens is crushed with an ultrasound probe. The femtolaser pre-divides the lens into several small segments, which allows them to be removed more comfortably and shortens the time the ultrasound probe's energy acts inside the eye. The rule is that the shorter the probe acts, the lower the risk of damage to the surrounding tissues.

The last step is inserting the implant – a lens made precisely for your eye. After it has been implanted, the eye is covered with tape and after about an hour you can go home. Ideally accompanied by someone close to you. Under no circumstances count on driving yourself home by car. Driving is not recommended for several days after the procedure.

3. Healing

The openings in the cornea created by the laser heal by themselves; no stitches are needed. 24 hours after the procedure you will come for a check-up. At it, the doctor will remove the tape and check the operated eye. You will receive drops and sunglasses, which you will wear as recommended by the doctor, as standard for at least a month.

The healing time is individual; it is usually possible to return to work after a few days, as a rule no later than after a week. The time it takes for the patient's vision to stabilise is also individual; usually it is within 3-4 weeks of the procedure. You can positively influence the healing time by following the doctor's instructions as closely as possible. Avoid bathing in swimming pools or at outdoor pools, avoid sudden movements and increased physical exertion, do not rub or touch the operated eye, protect the eye from wind or dust and so on.

How will your vision change after cataract surgery?

Believe us that as soon as your body gets used to the new lens, the quality of your life will change dramatically for the better. Especially if you opt for trifocal lenses, which will rid you of short-sightedness as well as long-sightedness. Thanks to this you will see well at all distances - far, near and also at intermediate distance (for example when working at a computer). You will therefore not be limited in any activity. If you have experienced frequent headaches or increased fatigue, the cause may have been poor eyesight. With the surgery you will also get rid of these problems. Good eyesight will also lift your mood, boost your self-confidence and ensure that you can enjoy every day to the full.

 

Eye surgery with an exceptional €1,000 discount

Are you still wondering whether now is the right time to undergo surgery? At iClinic, the largest and most comprehensive eye clinic in Slovakia, we have, also with regard to the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic, prepared an exceptional offer for you, so that everyone who longs for perfect vision can fulfil their dream today.