What to do if I have cataracts

A cataract is the loss of transparency of a lens inside the eye, called crystalline lens.

The causes of cataracts usually respond to a process closely linked to age, although it can also appear after prolonged treatment with some drugs or in the context of some general diseases such as diabetes.

Treatment of cataracts

The only treatment to solve the loss of vision caused by cataracts is surgery. At present there are no drugs that stop the evolution or regenerate the transparency of the crystalline lens.

Almost all surgeries are performed on an outpatient basis with topical anesthesia (anesthesia drops). The cataract is dissolved inside the eye with the help of a device called a phacoemulsifier. In our center we use incisions smaller than 2 mm (micro incisions), which results in a faster visual recovery after surgery and a lower rate of complications.

Cataract is the opacification of a very powerful lens inside the eye (the crystalline lens). Removing it and not replacing it with a lens of similar power would cause the eye to be left with a very high prescription. Therefore, whenever cataract surgery is performed, a lens must be implanted in its place. There are different types of lenses that correct myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism and presbyopia (eyestrain).

Like all surgery, it is not without complications. However, cataract surgery is highly technical and the incidence of complications is extremely low.