La Cataract is an eye condition characterized by the loss of transparency of the lens., the natural lens located behind the pupil essential for clearly focusing on objects. This opacity can develop due to various circumstances such as systemic diseases, genetic factors or, more commonly, as a consequence of natural aging. As the lens becomes more opaque, vision becomes blurred, cloudy and less colorful, indicating progressive progression of the cataract.
La cataract surgery, considered one of the safest and most effective procedures in modern medicine, involves the removal of the opaque lens and its replacement with an artificial intraocular lens. This procedure restores visual clarity and significantly improves the patient's quality of life. Usually performed under local anesthesia and on an outpatient basis, cataract surgery has a high success rate and quick recovery, allowing patients to resume their daily activities with minimal interruption.
What is a cataract and how does it develop?
A cataract forms when the naturally transparent lens of the eye loses its clarity and becomes opaque, affecting vision. This usually occurs primarily due to aging, but can also be accelerated by factors such as diabetes, long-term steroid use, excessive exposure to ultraviolet light, and smoking.
How do I know if I need cataract surgery?
If you experience symptoms such as blurred vision, difficulty seeing at night, halos around lights, or frequent changes in your lens prescription, it may be time to consider an evaluation for cataract surgery. An ophthalmologist can determine if your vision difficulties are due to cataracts and if you require surgery.
What technologies are used in cataract surgery at Clínica Nivaria?
At Clínica Nivaria we use advanced technologies such as phacoemulsification, which uses ultrasound to disintegrate and remove the cloudy lens, and laser surgery, which allows for more precise incisions and faster recovery.
Is cataract surgery safe?
Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most effective surgical procedures, with millions of operations performed each year. The risks are minimal and serious complications are extremely rare when the procedure is performed by a qualified surgeon.
What type of intraocular lenses (IOL) can be implanted?
We offer various types of IOLs, including single vision, multifocal and toric lenses. Each type has specific benefits, such as multi-distance vision correction or astigmatism correction, and is chosen based on the patient's needs and lifestyle.
What is the recovery time after cataract surgery?
Most patients notice a significant improvement in their vision almost immediately after the procedure. However, complete recovery and stabilization of vision may take up to several weeks. It is advised to avoid strenuous activities and carefully follow post-operative instructions during this time.
What care should I follow after cataract surgery?
After surgery, it is recommended to avoid intense physical exertion, the use of eye makeup, and exposure to dusty or smoky environments during the first weeks. It is also important to use prescribed eye drops to prevent infection and reduce inflammation.
How does vision improve after cataract surgery?
Cataract surgery can restore the clarity of vision affected by cloudy lens. Many patients report a significant improvement in the quality of vision, with brighter colors and sharper details.
Can a cataract develop again after surgery?
Once the natural lens is replaced by an intraocular lens during cataract surgery, it is not possible for a cataract to develop again. However, some patients may experience posterior capsule opacification, which may require a simple laser procedure to restore clear vision.
What is the cost of cataract surgery at Clínica Nivaria?
The cost of cataract surgery can vary depending on the type of intraocular lens used and the specific technologies used during the procedure. At Clínica Nivaria, we offer financing options and work with most health insurance companies to facilitate access to our services.
What are your symptoms?
- Blurred vision, with fog, as through a veil.
- Slow and uneven evolution in both eyes.
- Glare from intense lights or changes in brightness.
- Difficulty at night driving.
- The colors fade, they look differently.
- Double vision with one eye.
- Frequent changes in the graduation of your glasses or lenses.
- A temporary improvement in the sight of people who need glasses to see closely.
Presurgical Consultation
For the Nivaria Clinic, direct contact with each patient who trusts us with their visual health is of vital importance. This is why the entire pre- and post-surgical process is carried out by the same ophthalmic surgeon who will perform the intervention.
If you are interested in this type of surgery, the first step is to request a pre-surgical consultation. This consultation is essential to perform a correct surgical indication. Below we inform you what they consist of.
BEFORE THE PREQUIRURGICAL CONSULTATION:
IMPORTANT: It is very important that when you book your appointment by phone (822 027 777) you indicate that you want to have a pre-surgical consultation or general pre-surgical exam.
We advise you to come accompanied, since during the tests the pupil will dilate and this will make it look blurry for a few hours. It is not advisable to drive after the tests for the same reason.
PRIOR GENERAL EXAM:
In addition to the consultation, a series of ophthalmological and optometric tests will be carried out to determine whether or not to perform the intervention, as well as the most appropriate type of surgical technique for each particular case. These tests are:
- Eye refraction study.
- Corneal study.
- Retinal study.
The desirability of performing some other test on special occasions according to optional criteria is not ruled out.
AFTER THE CONSULTATION AND THE TESTS:
After the consultation, if your ophthalmologist sees the convenience of performing the intervention, you can book your appointment for it. In addition, they will indicate the budget of your treatment, as well as the possibilities of financing and you will be given the following documentation:
- Informed consent.
- Instructions and recommendations prior to the intervention.
In addition to these general criteria, the results of all ophthalmological tests performed by the specialist during the preoperative examination will be indispensable to determine if a patient is a good candidate.
Cataract surgery
Currently, phacoemulsification is the most advanced method for the definitive treatment of cataracts. It consists of the use of ultrasound to dissolve and remove the damaged lens, to replace it with an artificial intraocular lens that is deployed inside the eye without the need to expand the initial opening. This lens performs the same function as the lens, lasts a lifetime and does not lose transparency.
Contrary to popular belief, this intervention is simpler if the cataracts are not formed at all. Once this procedure is done, the patient can go home on his own foot, with the eye uncapped and his visual recovery will be very fast.
Postoperative
It is recommended that the patient remain at home on the day of the intervention. The visual improvement is usually so rapid that the next day you can begin to gradually return to your normal life. However, you should follow some recommendations such as using eye drops, do not rub your eyes and avoid physical efforts such as taking heavy things for a few days after the intervention.
FAQ
- How can I know if I have cataracts? At first, when the cataract is not very dense, a clouding of the vision is noticed, the lights can also cause more glare than usual. As the cataract develops, the vision becomes more blurred, progressively making everyday activities difficult.
- At what age do cataracts usually appear? Cataracts that alter visual function preventing correct vision with glasses usually appear once 60 is over. However, they can also appear after 50 years. Cataract is more frequent in myopic patients, especially in myopia with high graduations. In these patients, the appearance of cataracts may be earlier.
- Can cataracts and presbyopia or “tired eyesight” be eliminated in the same intervention? Yes. Thanks to the use of multifocal intraocular lenses, when treating cataracts, we can largely correct the “tired sight”.
- Can both eyes be operated at the same time? Currently, thanks to the new protocols for the prevention of postoperative complications, we can perform both eyes at the same time, sequentially.
- Is this operation painful? Absolutely. Currently, the operation is performed, in most cases, with topical anesthesia (drops), without the need for sleep or injections.
- When can I start to live a normal life after surgery? Once both eyes have been operated, the patient can resume normal activity, while being careful not to touch or hit the eye, especially during the first month. Three weeks after surgery, a treatment with eye drops, anti-inflammatories and antibiotics will be maintained.
- Once cataract surgery, can they reappear? No. This is impossible, since the lens affected by the ailment has been replaced by an intraocular lens, however the sac where it is inserted can be opacified, causing a secondary cataract that is treated with a special type of laser.
- Will I need glasses after having surgery? Most patients can perform normal far vision activities without the use of glasses. You will have to wear glasses closely unless you have decided, advised by your ophthalmologist, for multifocal intraocular lenses, which allow you to focus at different distances. However, these lenses are not suitable for all patients, so it requires a personalized study of each case.
It is not ruled out to carry out any further review if the patient's recovery so indicates.
