Cataracts
Cataracts, the clouding of the natural lens, are an age-related eye condition that occurs as a result of presbyopia. The natural lens of the eye serves to focus light and thus project a sharp image onto the retina. Due to the disease, the natural lens becomes cloudy and the quality of vision continuously deteriorates. Typically, cataracts occur from the age of 60 onwards, but they can also appear earlier or later.
The only treatment for cataracts is surgery to remove the cloudy natural lens and replace it with an artificial intraocular lens.
The symptoms of cataracts
The following symptoms may indicate cataracts:
Treatment process
Examination
Before surgery, your eyes will be examined thoroughly. The main purpose of this is to identify any other diseases and special features of your eyes. You will then discuss with your doctor which intraocular lenses are suitable for your condition and which are best suited to your lifestyle. In addition to your screen and reading behaviour, leisure and sporting activities play an important role.
Preparation for surgery
Your doctor will provide you all the information you need for the day of the surgery in advance. The surgery is usually performed under local anaesthesia, but also a stronger anaesthetic can usually be administered if necessary. An anaesthetist is always present in the practice or clinic when surgeries are performed. Cataract surgery is one of the most common procedures worldwide and is associated with a low risk.
Surgery
During cataract surgery, the surgeon makes a tiny incision, only a few millimetres in size, crushes the body’s own lens and then removes it. The intraocular lens selected prior to surgery is then inserted. All in all, the surgery only takes a few minutes. It is an outpatient procedure and you can go home on the day of surgery. Please note, however, that you are not allowed to drive yourself on this day.
Follow-up checks
The first check-up takes place the day after surgery. As a rule, the next consultations then follow after one week and after one month. It is particularly important for the healing process that you always take or use the eye drops and medications prescribed by your doctor on time.