Cataract
Cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye which causes a blurry and decreased vision.
Synonyms
Variant Adult/Child
What is cataract?
Cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye which causes a blurry and decreased vision. When the lens of the eye is not clear, light scattering occurs in your eye. This makes objects and landscapes appear blurrier and duller in colour.
Causes
The most common cause of cataract is age-related changes in the lens. Cataract can also be caused by acquired or congenital metabolic disorders such as diabetes, inflammation or injury, and chemical or physical trauma. This eye disease can occur at any age.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person:
- Blurred vision, initially at a distance, later at shorter distance
- Objects appear less clearly defined
- Double vision in one eye
- Difficulty distinguishing details in dim light
- Sensitivity to light, although more light is usually needed for reading
Surgery
Cataract can be treated with surgery. The cloudy lens is replaced with a clear artificial lens.
Technique
Using a technique known as phacoemulsification, the lens is broken up into small parts using ultrasonic vibrations. After the lens has been removed, only the lens capsule remains. This capsule will help to position the new lens in the eye. There are various techniques for attaching the lens. The ophthalmologist will determine which technique is most suitable for your eye. The artificial lens can be placed in the capsular bag, which is the classical method of implantation. Another technique does the opposite: the capsular bag is inserted into the lens. The advantage of this is that there is no clouding of the back of the lens capsule over time. The strength of the artificial lens can be calculated for optimal near, far or intermediate vision. If necessary, your glasses will be adjusted ap proximately five weeks after the operation. Artificial lenses that improve both far and near vision have a number of advantages and disadvantages that you can discuss in detail with your ophthalmologist. Excessive curvature of the cornea in one axis (regular astigmatism) can be corrected in the eye with a “toric lens”. Your ophthalmologist will discuss this with you in detail, when applicable.
Anaesthesia
Depending on the procedure, your general health and your age, a local or short general anaesthetic can be preferred.
- Local anaesthetic
With a local anaesthetic, only your eye is anaesthetised. This is usually done with eye drops.
Use of medication (discuss this with your ophthalmologist/GP)
- You may take your regular medication as usual.
- Diabetes patients should take their anti-diabetes medication.
- Anticoagulant medication may usually be continued.
- You do not need to fast. A light meal before the procedure is permitted.
- In case medication needs to be administered during the procedure, a catheter will be placed in your arm or hand.
- Patients with a hearing aid can keep it in the ear on the opposite side to the eye being operated to allow communication.
- If you have dentures, you may keep them in. Do not wear make-up
- General anaesthesia
- You will be completely anaesthetised.
- You must remain sober from midnight onwards (no eating, drinking or smoking) unless the anaesthetist gives you other instructions.
- Remove your dentures before leaving for the operating theatre.
- Do not wear glasses, hearing aids, wigs, hairpins or bras.
- Do not wear make-up.
- Remove nail polish from your fingernails and toenails at home be
forehand.
In the operating theatre, you will be given an intravenous drip in your arm through which the anaesthetist will administer medication. After the operation, you will wake up in the recovery room. As soon as your general condition allows, you will be transferred to the ward.
Duration
The operation in the operating theatre, including preparation and aftercare, takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes.
Video recording
If your eye presents interesting aspects from a scientific or educational point of view, the operation will be recorded on video. Your face will not be recognisable on this video. Your anonymity on these video images is fully guaranteed.
Aftercare
Eye shield
You will be given an eye shield: a hard plastic cap to prevent you from rubbing your eye. You will wear this while you sleep or rest during the first week after the operation.
Eye drops
You will be given eye drops to ensure optimal healing of the eye. You must continue to use the drops at home for four weeks after the opera tion. You will be given the drops to take home with you, along with an additional prescription in case you need a spare bottle. Instructions on how to use the drops can be found further on in this brochure.
Warning signs
Contact the UZA emergency department if:
- You feel pain in the operated eye.
- Your operated eye becomes redder.
- Your vision noticeably deteriorates instead of improving.
What can you do after the operation?
- You may use the operated eye to read or watch television, for example.
- Your glasses will be adjusted five weeks after the operation. Until then, you will have to find out for yourself what is most comfortable for you: with or without glasses. If necessary, you can have the lens of your glasses removed on the side of the operated eye.
- One week after the operation, you may shower and wash your hair with your eyes closed. Make sure that no soap or water gets into the operated eye.
- All daily activities are permitted (shopping, cooking, reading, watching television, etc.).
What should you not do until one week after the operation?
- Rub the operated eye.
- Performing heavy physical labour.
- Lifting and/or carrying heavy objects.
- If you wish to cycle or drive during the first week after the operation, please consult your ophthalmologist first.