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Cataracts: a simple cure that prevents blindness (P2)

Cataracts: a simple cure that prevents blindness (P2)

Edited by: TOP DOCTORS® at 10/10/2023

If you have cataracts in both eyes, you should never operate at the same time. One day one eye is operated and the other eye, one week later.

Dr. César Alejandro Sánchez Galeana

The treatment for a patient with an eye disease such as cataract consists of an operation which is called lens removal by phacoemulsification and must be performed by a specialized ophthalmologist.  

This intervention is a procedure so advanced that, at present, the results are seen immediately, that is, practically when leaving the surgery. This surgery does not require general anesthesia, lasts 15 minutes and is completely ambulatory. The process consists of making a small hole in the eye inside the eye. Subsequently the lens is divided into 4 fragments, which are aspirated through an incision of 3 millimeters. Through this same incision, an intraocular lens. The lens measures approximately 13 millimeters so it is injected in a rolled up manner so that, once it is inside the eye, it extends into the inside of the eye. This happens in a matter of seconds and visual recovery is complete.

Types of intraocular lenses and modes of recovery

There are 2 types of lenses: the one that allows the patient to see totally from a distance, but not to see up close; and the Premium lens, in which the patient can see both from far and near.

A cataract operated patient goes home to rest in a couple of hours and when he wakes up has a slightly blurred vision, as if he had been in a steam bath. At 24 hours your vision has to be between 95 and 100%, both from far and near. He simply recommends elemental things like putting his drops (antibiotics and anti-inflammatories), not to make great physical efforts (maybe bending over when putting on shoes, but not doing great things) and not cooking during those days.

Something important to mention is that if you have cataracts in both eyes, you should never operate at the same time. One day one eye is operated and the other eye is operated at the latest one week later.

Ophthalmology in Álvaro Obregón