Cataract Surgery

Cataract is one of the most common procedures to correct vision and eliminate blurry vision. This problem often arises in people over the age of 60 years due to the accumulation of proteins on the lens of the eye, which causes the opacity.

Eye surgeons treat their patients with cataract by surgery of lens replacement due to one of the following problems:

• Blurred vision and unclear colors.
• Double vision.
• Inability to see at night.

Before the cataract surgery, the ophthalmologist asks for some important tests, as following:

• Measuring the size and shape of the eye by ultrasound.
• Blood tests (CBC).
• Electrocardiogram (ECG).

The complications and risks associated with the cataract surgery may be rare and easily treatable. However, as with any other procedure, there are some possible risks and complications, such as:

• Bleeding.
• Inflammation of the eye.
• Losing of the new artificial lensfor its color.
• Eye swelling.
• Returning of the cataract problem.

The cataract surgery has the following steps:

• Preparing for the surgery:

The patient is locally anesthetized through the use of a narcotic drop of the eye, and may be given intravenous sedation for further comfort during the surgery.

Prior to this, the patient is asked not to use any medications that may cause bleeding such as aspirin, ibuprofen, etc., as well as using an antibiotic drop for a day or two before the procedure to avoid any infection or inflammation. The patient must refrain from eating and drinking for 12 hours before the operation.

• During the surgery:

The ophthalmologist performs a small incision in the cornea, then breaks up the clouded lens using a high frequency ultrasound device, then removes the broken parts of the lens completely and replaces it with a new artificial lens that is firmly fixed behind the pupil and iris, after that the small incision is then closed and the eye is covered with a bandage to protect it during the first days after the surgery.

• After the surgery:

The patient can leave immediately after the surgery, and it is preferred with the company of a friend or acquaintance, because of his inability to drive.

Usually, vision stabilizes after the cataract surgery during the first week as it gradually improves. Begins with a little blurry and bright color of things and over time the level of vision becomes significantly better.

During the first week, the patient's affected eye will be protected by wearing protective shield; to avoid rubbing it and to protect it from any external effect such as dust or sunlight. It can cause some itching in the first few days following the surgery. Also, it is important to use an eye-drop for weeks after the surgery according to the doctor's consult. 

During the following weeks, it is advisable to avoid getting water into the eye during hot water showers and not rubbing them.