Cataract - operation

Cataract can develop on one or both eyes, as well as differ in the location of turbidity: if the disease develops on the periphery of the lens, it is not so clearly visible, and for some time can go unnoticed without causing much discomfort. When treating the initial stages of age-related cataracts, medications (drops of katachrome, quinaks and others) that are able to slow its development, but do not eliminate the existing turbidity, are used.

Surgery to remove cataracts

At the moment, the most common method of cataract treatment is an operation to remove the affected lens and implant an artificial lens in its place.

1. Phacoemulsification. At the moment it is considered the most progressive and safe method of cataract treatment. The operation is performed through a microcut (2-2.5 mm) through which a special probe is inserted. With the help of ultrasound, the damaged lens turns into an emulsion and is removed, and in its place a flexible lens is inserted, which independently unfolds and is fixed inside the eye. A prolonged rehabilitation period in a hospital after such an operation is not required.
2. Extracapsular extraction. The operation in which the posterior capsule of the lens remains in place, and the nucleus and the anterior capsule are removed together, in one unit. A frequent complication after such an operation is the consolidation of the capsule of the lens and as a consequence, the development of secondary pleural cataracts.
3. Intracapsular extraction. The lens is extracted together with the capsule, by cryoextraction (using a cooled metal rod). In this case, there is no risk of secondary cataract development, but the probability of vitreous prolapse increases.
4. Laser surgery. A method similar to phacoemulsification, in which the lens is destroyed by a laser with a certain wavelength, after which it is only necessary to remove the destroyed lens and implant the lens. At the moment, the method is not widely distributed and is among the most expensive. Cataract surgery by a laser is preferable in the case of disorders in which a high ultrasound intensity is required to destroy the lens, which can lead to damage to the cornea.

Contraindications to surgery

There are no general contraindications to cataract surgery. This is especially true of modern methods of laser and phacoemulsification, carried out under local anesthesia.

Diabetes mellitus, hypertension, heart disease, chronic diseases can be complicating factors, but the decision on the possibility of conducting an operation in each case is determined individually, by additional consultation with a doctor of the necessary specialization (cardiologist, etc.).

Rehabilitation after surgery

Recovery after surgery takes from 24 hours (modern methods) to a week (lens extraction). In order to avoid complications and rejection of the implant, in addition to medical prescriptions, individual in each case, a number of recommendations and limitations should be followed.

1. Avoid lifting weights, at first not more than three kilograms, then to 5, but no more.
2. Do not make sudden movements and avoid head tilting down whenever possible.
3. Limit exercise, as well as thermal procedures in the head area (do not stay in the sun for a long time, do not visit saunas, do not use excessively hot water when washing your head).
4. In case of lacrimation, wipe eyes with sterile discs and tampons. Take care when washing.
5. When going out, put on sunglasses.
6. In the first two weeks after the operation, you should minimize fluid intake (preferably not more than half a liter per day), as well as avoid salty and spicy food. Tobacco and alcohol during this period are categorically contraindicated.

This regime should be observed from one to two to three months after the operation, depending on the age and speed of recovery. If the patient has concomitant diseases that affect the eyes, the rehabilitation period may be longer.