Cataract Surgery: Questions and Answers for Patients

Cataract issues~~~

Hello Dr.
Lin,
My father has recently been experiencing some blurred vision, and we suspect he might have cataracts.
I would like to ask you about cataract phacoemulsification surgery, which uses ultrasound.
Will this method involve contact with the eyeball? Will the surgery be painful? How long does the procedure take, and what is the recovery time? What is the success rate of this surgery? Is it safer and more successful to treat cataracts in the early stages compared to later stages? Are there ways to prevent cataracts, or is it inevitable for older individuals? Is hyperopia (farsightedness) something that older adults will definitely experience?
I have many questions, and I apologize for my lack of knowledge.
I appreciate your time in answering these queries!
Wishing you good health and all the best!

barkley, 70~79 year old female. Ask Date: 2004/08/13

Dr. Lin Zhengyi reply Ophthalmology

1.
Cataracts are a condition characterized by clouding of the lens inside the eye.
There are many causes of cataracts, with age-related cataracts being the most common.
As people age, the lens gradually hardens and becomes cloudy, leading to vision impairment.
Currently, there is no effective way to prevent the development of cataracts.
Other causes of cataracts include ocular trauma, iritis, glaucoma, diabetes, and long-term use of corticosteroids.
The timing for cataract surgery depends on an individual's lifestyle or work needs; surgery can be considered when vision impairment cannot be corrected with glasses and affects daily activities.
Unless the cataract has become excessively mature, leading to lens-induced glaucoma or iritis, the safety and success rate of the surgery are generally not influenced by how early or late the treatment is performed.
However, it is still recommended that individuals with vision impairment seek medical evaluation as soon as possible to avoid excessive maturation of the cataract.
The average success rate of cataract surgery is approximately 95%, and the procedure typically takes about one hour.
In more severe or complex cases, the duration may be longer.
Usually, vision stabilizes within two to four weeks post-surgery.
The surgery is typically performed under local anesthesia, allowing the patient to remain conscious, so they may still have some sensation, but most patients can tolerate it.
Currently, unless the cataract is more mature or in severe complex cases, phacoemulsification can be performed using ultrasound.
This method requires an incision of about 3.5 mm, through which an ultrasound probe is inserted into the eye to emulsify and remove the lens.
This approach results in a smaller incision compared to traditional surgery, but it still involves contact with the eye.
2.
Farsightedness is not something that only older individuals experience; your question may be referring to "presbyopia." Presbyopia is not the same as farsightedness.
Farsightedness, or hyperopia, occurs when the eyeball is too short, causing the focal point to fall behind the retina, resulting in difficulty seeing both near and distant objects clearly.
In contrast, presbyopia refers to the decreased ability of the lens and eye muscles to accommodate with age, leading to difficulty seeing close objects.
Therefore, most older individuals experience some degree of presbyopia.

Reply Date: 2004/08/13

More Info

Dear Patient,
Thank you for your thoughtful questions regarding cataract surgery. It's understandable to have concerns, especially when it comes to the health of a loved one. Let me address your queries one by one, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of cataract surgery and related issues.

1. Cataract Surgery and Ultrasound: Cataract surgery, specifically phacoemulsification, indeed utilizes ultrasound technology to break up the cloudy lens (the cataract) into smaller pieces, which are then gently suctioned out of the eye. While the procedure does involve making a small incision in the eye, it is minimally invasive. The surgery is performed under local anesthesia, which means that the patient is awake but does not feel pain during the procedure. Most patients report feeling only mild pressure rather than pain.

2. Duration and Recovery: The actual surgery typically lasts about 15 to 30 minutes. After the procedure, many patients can go home the same day. Recovery time varies, but most people notice an improvement in their vision within a few days. However, complete healing may take a few weeks, during which patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities and follow their doctor's post-operative care instructions.

3. Success Rate: Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures worldwide, with a success rate exceeding 95%. Most patients experience significant improvement in their vision, allowing them to return to their daily activities, including reading and driving.

4. Early vs. Late Treatment: It is generally true that early intervention can lead to better outcomes. Treating cataracts in their early stages can minimize complications and improve the overall success rate of the surgery. However, even advanced cataracts can be effectively treated with modern surgical techniques.

5. Prevention of Cataracts: While there is no guaranteed way to prevent cataracts, certain lifestyle choices can help reduce the risk. These include protecting your eyes from UV rays by wearing sunglasses, maintaining a healthy diet rich in antioxidants (such as vitamins C and E), managing health conditions like diabetes, and avoiding smoking. Age is a significant risk factor, and while not everyone will develop cataracts, they are more common in older adults.

6. Presbyopia and Aging: Presbyopia, or the difficulty in seeing close objects, is a natural part of aging and typically begins in the early to mid-40s. It is not directly related to cataracts but is a common vision change that occurs as the lens of the eye becomes less flexible over time. Most people will experience some degree of presbyopia as they age.

In conclusion, cataract surgery is a safe and effective procedure that can significantly enhance quality of life by restoring vision. If your father is experiencing symptoms of cataracts, it is advisable to consult with an ophthalmologist for a comprehensive eye examination. They can provide personalized recommendations based on his specific condition and needs.

Please feel free to reach out if you have any more questions or need further clarification. Wishing your father good health and a smooth recovery should he proceed with surgery.

Best regards,
Doctor Q&A Teams

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