Most patients who require a cataract operation have many questions to ask about the operation. Currently, the operation performed to remove an opaque natural lens (cataract) is called phacoemulsification.

What is a cataract?

A cataract is opacity of the crystalline, one of the eye system’s lenses. It develops with age, although it can also be due to other problems such as traumatisms and eye inflammations.

What are the symptoms?

At first, when the cataract is not very thick, sight may be cloudy. Sunlight and light from lamps, headlights, etc. may blind you more than usual.

As the cataract develops, sight becomes increasingly blurred and progressively prevents daily activity.

How can they be treated?

Treatment is always surgical. It consists in removing the crystalline by phacoemulsification, and replacing it with an artificial crystalline or intraocular lens.

What is phacoemulsification?

Ultrasonic energy is used to crush the opacified crystalline (cataract) into micro-particles that are aspirated from inside the eye.

An extremely thin terminal is used to enter the anterior chamber through the smallest possible opening (2-3 millimetres). Patients' recovery is much faster than when older techniques are used. It is what we call minimally invasive surgery.

When should I have an operation?

As a rule, operations are recommended when a patient begins to encounter difficulties in performing routine tasks.

Will I feel pain during or after the operation?

The phacoemulsification technique is painless during and after the operation.

In fact, we perform it with local anaesthesia (drops) and sometimes by injecting anaesthesia around the eye.

Most patients only report a feeling of pressure due to the tools we use to immobilize the eye during surgery, and a slight burning sensation for a few hours afterwards.

How long before I can resume my normal life after the operation?

After the operation you will need to stay home and rest for 24 hours.

The next day, sight has generally improved so much that most patients can resume their normal lives.

What kind of precautions will I need to take after the operation?

You will need to use antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye-drops over the following 15 days. It is imperative not to rub your eyes for at least one month after the operation, and to avoid rubbing them for six months.

You can practice sports providing you use adequate glasses for protection.

Avoid using make-up for one month after the operation.

What risks are involved?

Any surgery involves a certain degree of risk but they are minimal.

Phacoemulsification is one of the most precise and reliable surgical techniques used today. It allows patients to resume their normal tasks almost immediately after the operation.

Can both eyes be operated on at the same time?

Normally, both eyes are not operated during a single surgical session, unless the patient’s medical condition makes it advisable to do so.

Although the possibility of complications is minimal, we do not recommend operating both eyes during intraocular surgery.

Will I need to use glasses after the operation?

Currently, the quality of life of patients operated for cataracts improves dramatically.

Most patients can carry out their normal farsighted activity without needing to wear glasses. You will have to use reading glasses and, occasionally, glasses for distance vision.