Cataract Extraction

Removing the cloudy lens, and replacing it with a premium lens for a better visual outcome

What is Cataract Extraction?

The most common surgical technique for removing cataracts used today is phacoemulsification. During surgery the clouded lens inside the eye is removed and replaced by an intraocular lens implant.

Testing before cataract surgery

An examination of the patients before surgery is performed as part of our outpatient care. It is important to check for other existing diseases, to optimize the overall outcome of the surgery. You might also be referred to your general practitioner for further tests when the need arises.

The operation is preceded by a detailed eye examination, so that the expected outcome is determined.

What is a Cataract?

A cataract is a clouding of the lens that may be partial or full-scale. It may be located in the center of the lens, or in marginal areas where vision is then less disturbed. As this clouding thickens, it prevents light from passing clearly through the lens.

The slight or early signs do not affect vision, but they can be detected by ophthalmic examination. As the clouding increases, the vision decreases and it cannot be corrected with glasses.

A cataract usually affects both eyes, but vision loss may not develop equally. The exact cause of cataracts is unknown, but many factors have been identified that may promote the formation. The most common ones are:

Age
Diabetes
High UV radiation exposure from the sun
Eye inflammation
Penetrating injuries
Cataracts in conjunction with taking prescription drugs such as chemotherapy

Symptoms of cataracts

Blurred vision, the intensity may vary depending on lighting conditions
Fading colours
“Double vision”, affecting one eye
Frequent refraction changes
The vision cannot be corrected, even with glasses

These symptoms may be related to other eye problems and do not necessarily represent cataracts, so if any of these symptoms occur, medical eye examination is necessary.

Symptoms may be mild at the beginning, then they intensify. The difference between the two eyes becomes obvious with the passing of time. Vision starts to decrease gradually.

It is important to know that patients with diabetes and near sightedness may develop cataract formation much earlier. Sudden and unexplainable visual acuity changes should be investigated immediately.

Risks & Complications

Cataract surgery is usually very successful, if there are no other pre-existing eye conditions. However, it is important to realize that there is always a risk of complications associated with any operation.

Complications that may occur during the operation

Internal bleeding
Damage to other structures of the eye, including the capsule surrounding the lens
Incomplete removal of the cataract
Part of the cataract falling into the back of the eye

Several of these complications can be dealt with at the time of the surgery or just after surgery.

Potential (rare) complications occurring after the operation

Severe infection
Fluid accumulating at the back of the eye (in the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye)
Detachment of the retina
Clouding of the membrane behind the lens

These complications can sometimes occur even if the operation itself is carried out perfectly.

Many of these complications are manageable, although it may mean that other treatments may be required and the recovery period may be longer than usual. This may include the need for additional surgery.

The most serious consequence of all the complications is the risk of loss of vision in extremely rare cases. If the membrane behind the artificial lens becomes cloudy, this will make your vision blurry again. If this happens, laser treatment may be needed some time after the surgery, restoring back your clear vision.

We would like to remind you that these risks are not common and that all necessary precautions will be taken by our professional staff to ensure that you have an uneventful procedure.

Other Treatments

Learn More

Refractive Lens Exchange

Replacing the natural lens of your eye, and inserting a tailor made lens that can help you see from near and far distances without the use of spectacles.