Cataract surgery

Cataract surgery involves removing the clouded lens and replacing it with an intraocular lens. The procedure is usually performed using a minimally invasive technique and restores the transparency of the eye’s optical system. The lens implanted is selected according to each patient’s characteristics and visual needs.

Cataract surgery is usually a short procedure and, in most cases, is performed without a hospital stay. The exact time depends on the characteristics of the eye and the complexity of the procedure. The ophthalmologist will provide recovery and follow-up instructions after surgery.

Different types of intraocular lenses can be used in cataract surgery, including monofocal, multifocal, trifocal and extended depth of focus lenses. The choice depends on the anatomy of the eye, the prescription and each patient’s visual needs.

Recovery after cataract surgery is usually gradual, and many patients can resume most of their normal activities within a short time. During the post-operative period, it is important to follow the ophthalmologist’s instructions, use the prescribed medication correctly and attend scheduled check-ups.

A cataract that has been removed through surgery does not come back. However, over time the posterior capsule, the membrane located behind the intraocular lens, may become cloudy. This is commonly known as a “secondary cataract” and can be treated with a laser procedure.

The decision to operate on a cataract does not depend solely on the prescription or a particular level of visual acuity. The ophthalmologist assesses how the cataract affects vision and daily activities, as well as the general condition of the eye and each patient’s characteristics.

Before cataract surgery, an eye assessment is carried out to evaluate the condition of the eye and calculate the characteristics of the intraocular lens to be implanted. Tests may include measuring the length and shape of the eye, the prescription and various tests to examine the cornea, retina and other eye structures.

Surgery is usually considered when the cataract begins to affect quality of life or makes daily activities such as reading, driving or working difficult. There is no single visual acuity level that determines the timing of surgery: the decision should be individualized after assessing the symptoms and the condition of the eye.

It is not necessary to wait until a cataract is fully mature to have surgery. Nowadays, the procedure can be considered when the cataract significantly affects the patient’s vision or quality of life. The right time is decided on an individual basis.

Conventional cataract surgery is usually performed using phacoemulsification, a technique that uses ultrasound to break up and remove the clouded lens before implanting the intraocular lens. In certain centers and cases, laser technologies can also be used as part of the surgery.

Cataract surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia, generally with eye drops, and the patient usually remains awake and relaxed during the procedure. It is normal not to feel pain, although you may feel pressure, contact or visual sensations during surgery.

Yes. Most cataract surgeries are performed under local anesthesia and the patient remains awake during the procedure. In certain cases, sedation may be used to help the patient feel relaxed and comfortable.

When there are cataracts in both eyes, each eye is usually assessed individually and, in many cases, the operations are performed separately. The interval between the two surgeries depends on the patient’s characteristics and how the first eye progresses.

There is no single intraocular lens that is best for all patients. The choice depends on factors such as the condition of the eye, the prescription, age, visual needs and usual activities. Options include monofocal lenses and different types of lenses that extend the range of vision.

Yes. The intraocular lens implanted during surgery can be calculated to correct part or all of certain refractive errors. Depending on the patient’s characteristics and the type of lens chosen, dependence on glasses for certain distances can also be reduced.

In certain patients, cataract surgery can reduce dependence on reading glasses through the choice of a suitable intraocular lens. There are different types of lenses, and the most suitable option depends on the condition of the eye and each person’s visual needs.

A monofocal lens is designed to provide good vision mainly at one particular distance, while multifocal lenses are designed to offer several focal points and extend the range of vision. The choice depends on the characteristics of the eye and each patient’s visual priorities.

A trifocal lens is a type of multifocal intraocular lens designed to provide vision at different distances, usually far, intermediate and near. It can be an option for certain patients who want to reduce their dependence on glasses after cataract surgery.

Extended depth of focus lenses, also known as EDOF lenses, are designed to extend the range of clear vision compared with a monofocal lens, especially for distance and intermediate vision. Whether they are indicated depends on the characteristics of the eye and each patient’s visual needs.

Having previously undergone laser refractive surgery, such as LASIK or PRK, is important information when planning cataract surgery. These procedures can alter the cornea and must be taken into account when calculating the power of the intraocular lens to achieve the most accurate refractive result possible.

Visual recovery usually begins shortly after surgery, but vision may remain blurred or fluctuate during the first few days while the eye heals. Full stabilization can take several weeks and depends on each patient’s progress.

The time needed before returning to work depends on the type of work, the technique used and how the eye progresses. Some people can resume normal activities within a few days, while jobs involving physical effort, dust or a risk of knocks to the eye may require more precautions.

You should not drive immediately after surgery. You need to wait until your vision is sufficient and the ophthalmologist confirms that you meet the requirements to drive safely. The timing can vary depending on each patient’s visual progress.

Returning to sport should be gradual and follow the ophthalmologist’s instructions. During the first few days or weeks, precautions may be recommended to avoid knocks, pressure on the eye or exposure to water and contaminants, especially in higher-risk activities.

In general, watching television does not harm the eye’s recovery, although during the first few days there may be some sensitivity to light, blurred vision or eye strain. It is advisable to follow the ophthalmologist’s specific instructions and rest if the activity is uncomfortable.

After cataract surgery, it is important to prevent water, soap or other products from getting directly into the eye during the first few days. The ophthalmologist will tell you when you can resume your normal hygiene routine depending on how the eye is progressing.

It is advisable to avoid eye makeup during the initial recovery period to reduce the risk of irritation or infection. When it can be resumed depends on your progress and the ophthalmologist’s instructions.

Yes, during the first few hours or days there may be blurred vision while the eye heals. Sensitivity to light, watering or a slight foreign body sensation may also occur. If your vision gets worse instead of better or you experience severe pain, you need to contact your ophthalmologist.

You may notice mild discomfort, a gritty sensation, itching, watering or some sensitivity to light during the first few days. These symptoms usually improve gradually. Severe or persistent pain should not be considered normal and requires medical assessment.

Although cataract surgery is generally safe, like any procedure it can have complications. These include infection, inflammation, changes in eye pressure, bleeding, retinal problems or displacement of the intraocular lens. The risk depends on each patient’s characteristics and eye condition.

After cataract surgery, complications such as inflammation, infection, increased or decreased intraocular pressure, retinal edema or corneal problems can occur. Some are uncommon, but any significant change in vision after surgery should be assessed by an ophthalmologist.

It is important to go to an ophthalmic emergency department if, after cataract surgery, you experience a sudden loss of vision, severe or persistent pain, significant redness, increased inflammation, flashes of light or a sudden appearance of numerous floaters. These symptoms may indicate a complication that requires immediate assessment.

Slight discomfort or a gritty sensation can be normal during the first few days, but severe pain or pain that does not improve with the prescribed medication requires medical attention, especially if the pain is accompanied by vision loss, marked redness or inflammation.

A sudden loss of vision after cataract surgery requires an immediate ophthalmological assessment. It is not advisable to wait for the symptom to go away on its own. The specialist must determine whether there is a post-operative complication and start the necessary treatment as soon as possible.

In many cases, it is not necessary to operate immediately after a cataract is diagnosed. Follow-up can be carried out while vision allows you to carry out your usual activities normally. When the cataract begins to significantly affect your quality of life, it may be time to consider surgery.

There is no laser treatment that removes a cataract without surgery. The surgery involves removing the clouded lens and replacing it with an intraocular lens. Lasers can be used in certain procedures related to cataract surgery, but they do not replace the removal of the clouded lens.

Whether you need glasses after surgery depends on the type of intraocular lens implanted, the residual prescription and the patient’s visual needs. Some lenses are designed to reduce dependence on glasses at different distances, although they do not guarantee that glasses will never be needed.

The prescription may change during the first few weeks while the eye heals and stabilizes. For this reason, the final prescription is usually determined when the ophthalmologist considers the eye to be sufficiently stable, usually several weeks after surgery.

Cataracts and glaucoma are different diseases, although they can coexist. In some patients, the surgical strategy can take both conditions into account and involve combined or sequential treatments. The decision depends on the type of glaucoma, the condition of the lens and the characteristics of the eye.

Having AMD does not necessarily prevent cataract surgery. However, visual recovery will also depend on the condition of the macula, as surgery can remove the clouding of the lens but cannot reverse damage previously caused by a retinal disease. It is important to assess the retina before the procedure.

Near vision after surgery depends mainly on the type of intraocular lens implanted. A monofocal lens usually prioritizes one specific distance, while certain multifocal or extended depth of focus lenses can extend the range of vision and reduce the need for reading glasses.

In certain cases, astigmatism can be corrected during surgery by choosing a specific intraocular lens, such as a toric lens. Whether it can be corrected depends on the magnitude and characteristics of the astigmatism and the patient’s pre-operative assessment.

Although uncommon, an intraocular lens can move after cataract surgery. If this happens, it can cause blurred vision, discomfort or other visual symptoms. The ophthalmologist must assess the position of the lens and determine whether any treatment or procedure is needed to correct it.

Secondary cataract is the name commonly used to refer to the clouding of the posterior capsule that can occur after cataract surgery. It does not mean that the original cataract has come back. It can cause blurred vision or glare and is usually treated with a laser procedure.

Posterior capsule opacification can be treated with YAG laser capsulotomy. It is an outpatient procedure that creates a small opening in the clouded capsule to allow light to pass through again and improve vision.

The sudden appearance of numerous floaters, especially if accompanied by flashes of light or vision loss, requires an urgent ophthalmological assessment. These symptoms may be related to a problem with the vitreous or retina and should not automatically be attributed to recovery from surgery.