CATARACT

Inside the eye, there is a natural, transparent lens. Over time, this lens can become cloudy, preventing light from passing clearly to the retina (the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye). This progressive clouding of the lens is called a cataract. It is one of the most common causes of vision loss, particularly in patients over the age of 55.

The main symptoms are:

• Cloudy or "blurry" vision
• Glare and sensitivity to light (especially during night driving)
• Colors appear more faded
• Frequent changes in your prescription

In the past, the recommendation was to perform surgery when the cataract had "ripened." However, with modern surgical methods, this is no longer the case, and the procedure is performed when it begins to affect the patient's quality of life.

This is one of the most common questions from patients, often based on a misunderstanding of the technology used. In standard cataract surgery, ultrasound energy is the primary tool used to liquify and remove the cloudy lens. This specialized technique is known as phacoemulsification.
While a laser (specifically a femtosecond laser) can be used during certain initial stages of the procedure—such as creating the incisions or softening the cataract—the actual breakdown and removal of the lens material is still completed using ultrasound.

The goal of cataract surgery is to replace the old cloudy lens with a new, artificial, and clear intraocular lens (IOL).

There is the option of correcting a pre-existing refractive error (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism) by placing the appropriate intraocular lens. There are various types of intraocular lenses, each with its advantages and disadvantages.

• Monofocal lenses: The most common type of IOL that can offer (partial) independence from glasses at only one distance.
• Toric lenses:Used to correct astigmatism.
• Trifocal and Multifocal lenses: Offer independence at both far and near distances and therefore reduce dependence on glasses. However, this often comes at the expense of vision quality!

The patient should be informed about the advantages and limitations of each intraocular lens before proceeding with surgery. Dr. Halkias will discuss all the available options and suggest the best intraocular lens for your eyes.