Cataract surgery
Cataract surgery aims to treat cataracts, which occur over time due to the accumulation of dirt behind the iris, causing blurred vision and decreased ability to see.
Cataract surgery is the only way to cure cataracts. It is performed using a device that contains ultrasound waves, which are inserted through a small incision in the eye outside the cornea, and work is done to replace the cloudy lens with a new one. In some cases, it is performed by making an incision in the eye. He took out the dark lens.
Risks of surgery
Cataract surgery is associated with a number of risks, such as the following:
Dry eyes.
High eye pressure.
Corneal edema.
Retinal detachment.
before the operation
Preparations for cataract surgery include a pre-consultation session, where the doctor makes sure that the patient does not suffer from certain diseases that prevent him from undergoing the procedure. The doctor also performs a comprehensive eye examination, including examining the visual field, intraocular pressure, visual acuity, and fundus examination, in which the size of the lens is measured.
The doctor must be consulted regarding the medications that the patient must stop taking before the operation, and the patient must fast completely for 8 hours before the operation.
During the procedure
The process is done as follows:
The eye is injected with a substance that dilates the pupil.
Local anesthesia is done with an anesthetic drop.
The surgeon then makes a small incision in the cornea of the eye using a suitable fine device under microscopic magnification.
The device is inserted through the incision inside the lens, where the material that makes up the lens melts as a result of ultrasonic oscillations and is absorbed into the device.
A new, clear artificial lens is inserted into the empty lens capsule.
There is no need to close the surgical incision due to its small size and its ability to heal on its own over time. The process takes about 30 minutes. When closing open cataract surgery, a larger incision is made and then closed with sutures.
After the operation
After the cataract removal procedure, the patient can return to his home, and he may suffer from blurred vision, so he should avoid driving.
The doctor prescribes some antibiotics to prevent infection or inflammation in the eye for 3 weeks after the operation. Pain relievers may also be used as needed. You must seek immediate health care if you feel severe pain, high temperature, discharge, or bleeding in the eye.
The patient feels an immediate improvement in vision as soon as the operation is completed, and vision becomes clearer during the first month of the operation. You should also consult a doctor a week after the operation to ensure that the condition is stable.
Causes of cataract extraction
Cataracts are removed because they cause blurred vision. The eye's lens is naturally transparent, and over time protein buildup causes it to become opaque, so the damaged lens is extracted and replaced to treat cataracts.
Cataracts usually develop as a result of aging
It may develop over many years, but appears and becomes more severe within a few months
Both eyes suffer from cataracts, but to varying degrees, so the vision in one eye is clearer than the other.
In a few cases, children may develop cataracts, and in other cases, the presence of cataracts may not affect the extent of blurred vision, and both cases are relatively rare compared to the nature of most cases.
Cataracts cannot be treated with medications, but their progression can be delayed by taking vitamins A, C and E.
There are other factors that increase aging and may cause cataracts:
DNA; The cause of this disease may be a hereditary factor in the same family.
Gender: Women are more likely to develop cataracts than men.
Drinking alcohol increases the likelihood of contracting the disease.
Diabetics are more susceptible to infection than others.
Use of steroid medications (cortisone).
Malnutrition, dehydration and frequent diarrhea.
Constant exposure to ultraviolet rays.
Tips for living with cataract extraction
Adhere to antibiotics and anti-inflammatory eye drops for several weeks
Use dark sunglasses to protect the eyes from external influences and sunlight
The eye appears red for several days after the operation and then gradually fades
Complete recovery occurs within a period of time ranging from 4 to 8 weeks, during which vision improves until it stabilizes and returns to normal.
It is recommended to consult a doctor if any symptoms appear after the procedure
