Cataract surgery is a relatively short procedure that usually only takes about 20 minutes. However, the duration depends on various factors, including anaesthesia and surgical technique.
In this blog post, we will take a closer look at how long a cataract surgery lasts and what the cataract surgery procedure is. After all, surgery is the most effective treatment for cataracts and, at a certain point, is unavoidable in order to maintain vision.
A cataract surgery usually takes less than 20 minutes. The procedure is usually done on an outpatient basis, which means you can go home the same day.
Before surgery, the eye is thoroughly examined to ensure that the condition of the eye can be accurately determined. This preliminary examination takes place on a separate appointment before the actual procedure and takes about 2 hours. On the day of surgery, the eye is first prepared with eye drops and sterile disinfection is carried out. During the operation, the affected eye is numbed and a small incision is made in the cornea through which the lens is removed. An artificial lens is then inserted.
In rare cases, surgery may take longer, especially if complications occur. However, minimally invasive surgery is a routine operation for experienced ophthalmologists and rarely involves complications.
At Augenheilkunde Bányai, cataract operations are performed in the operating centers in Stuttgart-Mitte, Leonberg and Böblingen. The procedure with us takes place on an outpatient basis, you can leave the practice after an observation period. The cataract operation is carried out using the safest method using the LENSAR laser. The operation also takes about 15 to 20 minutes with a laser.
Cataract surgery is a standardized procedure that has proven itself over the years. The procedure includes anesthesia of the eye, the creation of access to the lens at best by using the LENSAR laser and the implantation of an artificial lens. In the following, we will explain these steps in more detail and discuss the healing process after the operation.
There is a local anesthesia of the eye (local anesthesia). This is sufficient to spare the patient pain and enable a smooth operation. The face is covered, but speaking or breathing is easy. As a rule, a modern drop anaesthetic is used. This makes cataract surgery painless.
There is also an outdated, alternative method in which a syringe is inserted into the eyeball to numb the eye. However, this method is rarely used due to the pain and the higher risk of complications. In any case, the anaesthetic is thoroughly examined by the ophthalmologist before the operation to ensure that the patient does not feel any pain during the procedure.
The use of the LENSAR laser in cataract surgery is an important step that ensures successful and precise surgery. The femtosecond laser replaces the surgeon’s hand and creates an exactly circular incision on the lens capsule to remove the cloudy lens. At the same time, the laser ensures the gentle fragmentation of the clouded, endogenous lens. This process only takes a minute and is much safer than the conventional procedure by means of incision with a scalpel thanks to the LENSAR technology.
After using the laser, the body’s own cloudy lens is removed and replaced with the desired artificial lens (multifocal lens or monofocal lens). The new lens must have a similar refractive power as the body’s own lens before, but previously existing refractive errors (short-sightedness or farsightedness) can be corrected. The lenses unfold gently inside the eye and are anchored with the help of small elastic temples. The incision through which the lens is inserted is so tiny that it does not need to be closed by a seam.
Overall, cataract surgery is a proven procedure that is becoming safer and more precise thanks to modern technologies such as the LENSAR laser.
After cataract surgery, you will stay in a recovery area for a short time to recover. It’s normal for your eye to be slightly irritated and blurred, and you may also feel a slight burning or itching sensation. Avoid rubbing your eyes and keep the eye closed to protect it.
After the observation phase, you can go home again with outpatient treatment. You are not allowed to drive yourself, so make sure you have the appropriate accompaniment to get home safely.
Your ophthalmologist will prescribe special drops that you will need to drip regularly to keep the eye moist and reduce inflammation. It is important that you follow these instructions and have regular follow-up examinations to ensure that the eye recovers properly.
As a rule, you can resume normal activities after a few days, but avoid heavy lifting and exertion.
The healing process after cataract surgery is individual and depends on various factors such as age or state of health of the eyes. The healing phase usually lasts 2 weeks, during which you should take care of your body.
A first increase in vision can occur just a few hours after surgery, but it takes up to 8-12 weeks for the final visual acuity to be established.
In the first days after surgery, you may feel a foreign body sensation in the eye. The eye can also be reddened and sensitive to light. Your ophthalmologist will prescribe eye drops that you will need to regularly drop to prevent inflammation and infection and to aid healing.
Avoid rubbing your eyes and wear goggles during activities where dust, dirt or other foreign objects may get into your eyes. Protect your eyes from sunlight as well.
Observe the recommended, regular follow-up examinations with your ophthalmologist to monitor the progress of the healing and to detect any complications at an early stage.
The cataract surgery is a fast and safe procedure that is performed on an outpatient basis at Bányai Augenheilkunde. The duration of the operation is usually less than 20 minutes.
The use of the LENSAR laser during surgery allows a more precise and gentle removal of the affected lens as well as a faster recovery time. The healing process is individual and can vary depending on the patient, but a full recovery of vision can be expected within a few weeks.
Overall, cataract surgery is a safe and effective method to restore vision in patients with cataracts.
Hat Ihnen dieser Beitrag gefallen? Teilen Sie ihn mit anderen!
