Cataract

An eye with cataract

Cataract surgery using the Phacoemulsification technique successfully restores vision in an overwhelming majority of patients.

Cataract refers to the clouding of the normally clear lens of the eyes. It is the most frequent cause of treatable blindness in developing countries and the only possible way of treatment is surgery.

In Brazil, there are approximately 1,5 million people suffering from cataract-caused blindness. Three hundred and fifty thousand cataract surgeries are done per year. The most frequent complaints of cataract patients are diminished sharpness of vision, problems with blurred vision, more sensibility to light, alterations in distinguishing colors and frequent changes of eyeglasses. Surgery will depend on the results of complementary ophthalmologic exams to evaluate and treat other related vision problems.

A modern cataract surgery consists of the removal of the natural clouded lens and its replacement by an artificial intraocular lens implant. The artificial lens can also be made so that it will correct the patient’s visual deficiencies and consequently, he will no longer need to wear glasses or contact lenses. The operation is a very safe procedure, posing fewer risk complications and allowing for a speedy recovery of visual functions. The earlier the operation is done, the safer and faster the procedure can be performed and the quicker is the patient’s visual recovery.


At the end of the surgery,
an eye with the lenses implanted Phacoemulsification is a process that allows a surgeon to make a micro incision (2,2- millimeter). A thin ultrasound probe is inserted into the eye and uses ultrasonic vibrations to dissolve (phacoemulsify) the clouded lens. These tiny fragmented pieces are then suctioned out through the same ultrasound probe. The surgery lasts, on average, 20 minutes; however pre operative procedures may require more time.

In most cases, anesthesic is applied topically (numbing eye drops). The patient is admitted on a day clinic basis and is discharged within hours after the surgery.

Surgery is recommended when the patient’s quality of life is affected, that is, when he is unable to carry out his usual activities successfully.

Recent surveys relate an improvement in the quality of life of patients that have undergone cataract surgery. Vision enhancement resulted in diminished depression symptoms (“see better, live well”). It allows patients to get back to old habits, like reading, walking in the streets, going to the movies, and doing manual activities. In other words, the patient will be able to do what his impaired vision prevented him from doing. After a successful cataract surgery, the patients’ self- esteem increases and they can get back to their social activities.

Cataract Eye Surgery Article

Cataract News from ASCRS Meeting 2011

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