Cataracts are an eye condition in which the lens becomes increasingly cloudy. As a result, vision steadily declines. This condition is often age-related but can also result from metabolic disorders, eye malformations, or eye injuries. The good news is that cataracts are treatable.
A cataract operation (also called cataract surgery) is usually the treatment of choice, as an untreated cataract can lead to blindness. However, many people are afraid of this procedure because it involves the eye and can be painful. In fact, the procedure of cataract surgery is a routine intervention that looks worse than it is.
Anesthesia for cataract surgery is administered locally via eye drops. Today, cataract surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis at a day clinic. In most cases, it is not necessary to inject anesthesia behind or beside the eye.
General anaesthesia is not used. The eye drops provide anaesthesia during the operation, so patients do not feel any pain.
Mild pain may occur after cataract surgery. Pressure or itching in the eye are also common aftereffects of the procedure. However, this mild pain can be relieved with painkillers.
The symptoms should subside within a few days. It is important to touch the operated eye as little as possible and, above all, not to rub or press it.
After cataract surgery, you should avoid resuming certain everyday activities immediately. In particular, do not drive on public roads or operate machinery. Take the day off on the day of your cataract surgery.
In consultation with your ophthalmologist (Doctor-medic Liliana Bányai), the bandage can be removed after about four hours. Alternatively, the ophthalmologist can remove the bandage during the follow-up appointment the next day.
Antibiotic eye drops are often prescribed to prevent an eye infection. The drops must then be instilled into the eye several times a day.
Problems after cataract surgery are extremely rare. The state-of-the-art lasers and the specialist’s experience, for example, Ms Doctor-medic Liliana-Iulia Bányai, a recognised high-volume surgeon, make cataract surgery a routine procedure. Nevertheless, as with any other operation, complications can occur:
If vision deteriorates again after cataract surgery, this is referred to as a aftercataract. Clouding of the posterior lens capsule, which lies in the visual axis, can be the cause. A secondary cataract can be treated again with a simple laser procedure. Do not hesitate to see your ophthalmologist if you are dissatisfied after cataract surgery.
A foreign-body sensation after cataract surgery is normal and may occur during the first few days or weeks following the procedure. This sensation is caused by the eye’s reaction to the surgery and to the implantation of the artificial lens.
The body needs time to adapt to the new lens and for the healing process to complete. In most cases, the foreign‑body sensation subsides on its own and fades over time.
It is important that the treating physician be informed of any complaints to rule out possible complications. The doctor can provide appropriate recommendations and, if necessary, perform further examinations to ensure the healing process is progressing normally.
To ensure an optimal healing process, the following guidelines should be observed. After the operation, the eye may remain swollen for the first few days; this is not a cause for concern, as swollen eyes are a normal after-effect of the procedure.
As already mentioned, the eye must not be rubbed or pressed, as it is very sensitive after cataract surgery and so germs can enter the newly operated eye. Showering, bathing, and washing your hair immediately after the operation are generally possible, but you should take care that the eye does not come into contact with water, soap, or shampoo.
You should also avoid excessive physical exertion. Light activities such as housework and gardening are, of course, allowed. You should refrain from visiting swimming pools and tanning beds for at least three to four weeks. You should not experience any physical limitations after two weeks at the latest, and any existing symptoms should have subsided.
Diabetes patients should discuss the planned procedure thoroughly with their attending physician and ensure their blood sugar is well controlled.
You should not experience any difficulty when reading, writing, or watching TV. If these activities feel tiring or cause fatigue, it is recommended to take a break to rest your eyes. Increased sensitivity to glare is not a cause for concern; it is a common after-effect of the surgery.
If you experience a rapid deterioration in vision or persistent pain, it’s important to see an ophthalmologist right away and have it evaluated promptly.
During cataract surgery, the clouded lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens (multifocal lens). This is performed using state-of-the-art laser equipment such as the LENSAR laser. The laser liquefies the clouded lens, which is then aspirated and replaced with the artificial lens.
Laser treatment for cataracts is entirely painless. Due to the precise handling of the laser, the risk of complications with eye lasers is extremely low. The total duration of a cataract surgery is about 10 to 20 minutes.
The doctor can precisely measure and adjust the required refractive power of the newly implanted lens in advance using ultrasound or optical methods.
We never operate on both eyes at the same time. If both eyes are affected, we operate on the worse eye first and the second eye after some time.
Do you have any further questions about cataract surgery? We would be happy to advise you in person at our laser eye centre in Stuttgart or at the laser eye centre in Karlsruhe.
The Cataract symptoms develop gradually. The lens of the eye becomes cloudy, hence the name cataract. As the lens clouds, vision deteriorates and you become increasingly sensitive to glare. In addition, colours, contrasts and contours gradually fade, and it can seem as if they are merging.
In most cases, advancing age is the cause of cataracts. The lens of the eye becomes less flexible, which can lead to clouding. For this reason, cataracts are age-related in 80% of cases and can occur from around age 60. From the age of 50, an annual cataract check-up with an ophthalmologist is recommended.
Other possible causes include diabetes mellitus, metabolic disorders such as calcium deficiency, eye conditions such as high myopia, eye injuries, or congenital eye malformations. Would you like to have your eyes lasered, or are you wondering when you should operate on cataracts, or whether you are even a candidate for cataract surgery? Then take advantage of our free aptitude test.
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