Remove the cataract and see all the colors of the world again!

A cataract is a clouding of the lens. Normally, the lens is a transparent lens that focuses light entering the eye onto the retina. With the development of opacities in the lens, some of the light is scattered or reflected. The further the cataract develops, the worse the patient sees with the affected eye.

The development of opacities in the lens is part of its physiological aging. Cataract is detected in more than half of patients aged 65 to 75 years, and among patients over 75 years of age, more than 90% have cataracts. In most cases, opacities in the lens develop symmetrically in both eyes.

Type of eye with cataract

Eye view after surgical cataract removal and artificial lens implantation

Cataract symptoms

We present to you the most common signs of cataract development.:

• Blurred vision, as if through fog or a grid;

• Changes in color perception (color discrimination);

• Difficulties driving at night due to the fact that the headlights of oncoming cars seem too bright;

• Bright glare from lamps or the sun (the so-called "Glare effect");

• Frequent changes in eyewear recipes;

• Double vision;

• Farsighted patients may temporarily improve their near vision.

Some of the symptoms listed above may also be signs of other eye diseases.

How do you know if you have cataracts or not?

The diagnosis is established based on the patient's complaints of visual impairment, as well as the results of special ophthalmological examinations:

• visual acuity detection (visometry);

• determination of intraocular pressure (tonometry);

• examination of the anterior segment of the eye using a slit lamp (biomicroscopy);

• defining the boundaries of the field of view (perimeter);

• retinal and optic disc examination (ophthalmoscopy);

• ultrasound examination.

How to treat cataracts?

In the early stages of cataract development, changing the lenses in glasses can help improve vision. But, with the development of intense opacities in the lens, glasses stop helping.

Cataracts can only be cured surgically. The operation consists of removing the cloudy lens and installing an artificial optical lens (IOL) in its place.

But a cataract diagnosis does not always mean that you need to have surgery immediately. We have asked you to comment on this To Elmira Sultanova, ophthalmologist-surgeon, doctor of the highest category, Candidate of medical Sciences:

"Cataract surgery should be performed only if the patient is not satisfied with his eyesight. We don't operate on eyes that see well. If your visual acuity decreases, you will need to be examined by an ophthalmologist in order to determine the cause of the visual impairment. There are many diseases besides cataracts that lead to a gradual decrease in vision. At the EMC Ophthalmology clinic, you have the opportunity to consult with a qualified ophthalmologist and undergo an examination using the most modern equipment."

What you need to know about surgery

Today, cataract removal performed by an experienced surgeon is a quick and safe operation.

During the operation, through a minimal incision (usually less than 3 mm) using a special ultrasound device, a phacoemulsifier, the lens substance is crushed to an emulsion state. Then, through a system of tubes, the lens masses are removed from the eye. After that, an artificial lens (IOL) of a certain optical strength is implanted into the lens bag.

In most cases, cataracts can be removed using the low-trauma, seamless technique described above. In the case of advanced, complicated cataracts, extracapsular cataract extraction (larger incision, postoperative sutures) may be used.

In The EMC Ophthalmology Clinic offers each patient a wide range of IOLs, ranging from simple spherical and aspherical lenses to glasses-free (multifocal) and astigmatism-correcting (toric) lenses. Each of these lenses has its own unique advantages, which the doctor will definitely tell you about during the consultation.

Dr. Elmira Sultanova spoke in more detail about the features of artificial lenses:

"The EMC clinic uses only modern lenses made of flexible materials, which allows them to be implanted through a minimal incision that does not require suturing. Due to this, the patient can be released home immediately after surgery, and the postoperative period is reduced to 2-3 weeks. "

To summarize, a cataract diagnosis does not always mean that you need to have surgery immediately. But, in any case, you need to undergo regular examination by an ophthalmologist. At the EMC Ophthalmology clinic, you have the opportunity to undergo all the necessary examinations using the most modern equipment.

Cataract removal performed by an experienced surgeon is a simple, fast and safe operation!