Cataract Surgery
Many of us are affected by cataracts sooner or later in life.
Today this does not have to mean major problems for the patient as
cataracts can normally be successfully treated by surgery. To
reduce vision problems for the patient, as well as the risk of
complications the operation should not be delayed.
Examination prior to surgery
Before a cataract operation the eyes have to be thoroughly
examined. With the help of special equipment the eye is measured
and the strength of the lens to be inserted is determined.
The operation
On the day of the operation the patient should arrive half an
hour prior to surgery. A nurse administers eye drops and a light
sedation if required.
Throughout the operation, which takes little more than 30
minutes, the patient is awake. Local anaesthetic is added as eye
drops or sprayed around the eye to avoid any pain during the
procedure.
Using a surgical microscope and special ultrasound equipment the
surgeon “removes” the clouded lens from the eye, and replaces it
with a new plastic lens. Lasers are not used at all during the
procedure.
After the operation the patient rests for a while at the clinic,
and can then return home. It is recommended to avoid hard manual
labour, to be very careful when touching the operated eye, and to
add the eye drops prescribed by the surgeon. Apart from these
precautions you can live your normal life. Reading and watching TV
do not interfere with the recovery process.
Follow up examination
The patient will have a post-operative examination to check the
operated eye 7 to 10 days after surgery.