What is Cataract Surgery?

Cataracts are one of the leading causes of vision loss, but thanks to advancements in medical technology, cataract surgery is a safe and highly effective procedure. If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with cataracts, it’s natural to have questions. In this blog, we’ll explain what cataract surgery is, how it works, and why it’s a life-changing procedure.

What is Cataract Surgery?

Cataract surgery is a procedure to remove the cloudy lens in your eye and replace it with an artificial lens, called an intraocular lens (IOL). This surgery is typically performed when cataracts start to interfere with daily activities, such as reading, driving, or recognising faces.

The surgery is quick, minimally invasive, and usually performed under local anesthesia, making it safe and comfortable for most patients.

How Does Cataract Surgery Work?

1. Preparation: Your eye will be numbed with anesthetic drops, and you may be given a mild sedative to help you relax.
2. Lens Removal: A small incision is made in your eye, and the cloudy lens is broken into small pieces using ultrasound technology (phacoemulsification) or removed as a whole (extracapsular extraction).
3. Lens replacement: The artificial lens (IOL) is inserted in place of your natural lens to restore clear vision.
4. Recovery: The incision usually heals on its own, and most patients notice an improvement in their vision within days.

Benefits of Cataract Surgery

• Improved Vision: Regain sharp and clear vision, making daily activities easier.
• Quick Recovery: Most patients resume normal activities within a week.
• Long-Term Results: Once replaced, the artificial lens doesn’t develop cataracts again.

Types of Intraocular Lenses (IOLs)

One of the most important decisions you’ll make with your surgeon is selecting the type of lens implant that best suits your vision needs and lifestyle. Let’s explore the three primary types of IOLs available:

1. Monofocal Lenses

Monofocal lenses are the most commonly used IOLs and are designed to provide clear vision at a single, fixed distance. Patients typically choose to optimise their vision for distance, which means they’ll still need glasses for near tasks like reading or using a smartphone. Conversely, some patients may opt to set their vision for close work, wearing glasses for distance activities instead.

• Advantages: Reliable and cost-effective, monofocal lenses offer excellent visual clarity for a specific range. They are a great option for patients with straightforward visual needs.
• Ideal For: Patients who don’t mind using glasses for some activities and those looking for a standard, effective solution to regain clear vision.

2. Multifocal Lenses

Multifocal lenses are designed to provide clear vision at multiple distances—near, intermediate, and far. These lenses use advanced optics to distribute light at different focal points, reducing or even eliminating the need for glasses after surgery.

• Advantages: Multifocal IOLs are a popular choice for people who want greater freedom from glasses for activities like reading, driving, and computer work. They are especially beneficial for those with active lifestyles.
• Considerations: Because multifocal lenses split light to focus on multiple distances, some patients may experience halos or glare around lights at night. These effects often diminish over time as the brain adapts to the new optics.
• Ideal For: Individuals who prioritise glasses-free vision and are willing to adapt to the visual changes associated with multifocal lenses.

3. Toric Lenses

Toric lenses are specially designed to correct astigmatism, a common condition where the eye’s shape causes blurred or distorted vision. These lenses have built-in astigmatism correction, ensuring sharper and clearer vision at a chosen distance.

• Advantages: By addressing astigmatism directly, toric IOLs can greatly improve vision quality and reduce the need for glasses or contact lenses after surgery.
• Customisation: Each toric lens is customized to match the exact degree of astigmatism in your eye, providing personalised correction.
• Ideal For: Patients with moderate to severe astigmatism who want the best possible vision correction.

Choosing the Right IOL for You

Selecting the right lens depends on your unique eye condition, daily activities, and lifestyle preferences. During your pre-operative assessment, your surgeon will carefully evaluate your vision, discuss your goals, and recommend the best IOL option for you.

For example:

• If you enjoy outdoor activities like sports or driving, a monofocal lens optimised for distance may be ideal.
• If you want freedom from glasses, especially for reading or working at a computer, a multifocal lens might be the best choice.
• If you have astigmatism, a toric lens can provide you with the sharpest possible vision.

Dr Kozomara will guide you through the decision-making process, ensuring you have all the information needed to choose confidently.

Cataract surgery Cataract surgery is a safe and effective way to restore clear vision and improve your quality of life. With the expertise of surgeons at Specijalna bolnica za oftalmologiju “Dr Kozomara” you can feel confident in every step of the process. Don’t let cataracts hold you back—take the first step today by completing the suitability self-test.