Cataracts are a total or partial opacity of the lens of the eye. They occur when the natural lens of the eye, the crystalline lens, which has refractive capacity and allows objects to be focused and the passage of light, progressively loses transparency. This occurs as a natural part of each person's aging process.
Although there are also other factors that cause them, such as diabetes, eye infections or trauma, and genetic inheritance.
The only alternative treatment for this visual problem is cataract surgery through phacoemulsification and implantation of an intraocular lens.
Currently, cataract surgery is performed as early as possible, once the patient begins to notice his symptoms and perceive a deterioration in his quality of vision, regardless of whether or not he has refractive problems (presbyopia, myopia, hyperopia and / or astigmatism).
Cataract surgery through phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation that replaces the lens of the eye is the most frequent intervention in the world of ophthalmology and the procedure whose results are more positive and report a greater impact on quality of life and vision from the patients. With this operation, the patient can reduce the use of glasses after surgery.
With a monofocal intraocular lens, patients will correct their far vision. Toric intraocular lenses solve astigmatism problems. For those patients who wish to regain their distance, near and medium vision, while eliminating their cataracts, a multifocal or trifocal intraocular lens is recommended.
Patients must attend a prior ophthalmological consultation in which their needs will be assessed and the necessary tests will be carried out to select the most appropriate intraocular lens. In addition, they will be told which drops to use before surgery.
After the operation, the patient can go home. You should stay at rest for at least the next day and avoid reading and straining for at least a week. The ophthalmologist surgeon will indicate if you should take any medication or the administration of drops.