Dr. Eduardo Pérez-Salvador García explains that cataract is the loss of transparency of the crystalline lens, the natural lens inside the eye that allows us to focus the light coming from objects on the retina. Under normal conditions, by modifying its shape, it can focus objects at different distances.
What are the first symptoms that appear?
The crystalline lens changes with the passage of time, in addition to other causes that lead to the formation of cataracts. Some of these changes can be:
- The loss of transparency of the crystalline lens taking a yellowish hue and finally brown or white, called opacification of the cataract.
- The lens loses elasticity becoming increasingly rigid. This stiffness causes eyestrain (presbyopia) which results in the inability to focus up close. In addition, due to the opacification of the crystalline lens, it is common that light bothers you (photophobia) and reduces your vision.
How is cataract treated?
Currently, cataract treatment is exclusively surgical. The most commonly performed procedure is phacoemulsification, which consists of reducing the crystalline lens into tiny pieces by means of ultrasound, which can then be aspirated through openings in the eyeball. These openings are smaller and smaller, which minimizes risks and allows a faster recovery of vision.
The procedure is an outpatient procedure and does not require occlusion of the eye, and is performed under local or topical anesthesia (eye drops). It is not free of risks, being infection the most important risk, which is avoided with the use of antibiotics and antiseptics before, during and in the postoperative period. Fortunately, complications are very infrequent due to the great experience we have in this procedure as it is the most frequent surgery in the ophthalmologic field.
What is the rest time after cataract surgery?
In the days following the operation, life can be practically normal, with a fairly rapid visual recovery, with considerable improvement during the first 24 hours, which continues during the first postoperative days.