Cataract Operation

Cornea

Experience World-Class Cataract Surgery at Al-Noor Eye Hospital

Our advanced phaco machines, like the Alcon Centurion, ensure precise and efficient procedures. Our skilled team is dedicated to your comfort and care, from consultation to recovery. We offer accessible and affordable services, ensuring you receive the best possible eye care.

What Is a Cataract?

A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s normally clear and transparent lens, similar to looking through a frosted window. This clouding obscures the eye’s natural lens, limiting the ability to see details and causing painless blurring of vision with reduced contrast.

The lens, located behind the pupil, focuses light on the retina at the back of the eye to produce a sharp image. When a cataract forms, some light is scattered instead of being focused properly, leading to blurred vision, reduced contrast, and increased glare. Often, a cataract only affects a small part of the lens, so if vision isn’t significantly impaired, surgery may not be necessary. However, if a large portion of the lens becomes cloudy, vision can be partially or completely affected until the cataract is removed.

There are many misconceptions about cataracts. They do not spread from eye to eye, although they often develop in both eyes around the same time. A cataract is not a film on the outside of the eye, nor is it caused or worsened by overuse of the eyes. Cataracts typically develop gradually over time. Fortunately, vision can often be fully restored through a quick, 15-minute procedure.

Our referral surgeons use the latest techniques, without needles or stitches, allowing for recovery to full vision in just 24–36 hours.

Classification of Cataracts

There are many types of cataracts, most of which are caused by a change in the chemical composition of the lens, resulting in a loss of lens transparency. These changes can be triggered by aging, eye injuries, certain diseases and conditions affecting the eye and body, as well as hereditary or congenital defects.

The natural aging process may cause the lens to harden and become cloudy. This is the most common type of cataract, which can occur as early as age 40. The most common types of cataracts include nuclear sclerotic cataracts, cortical cataracts, and posterior subcapsular cataracts.

Nuclear sclerotic cataracts are characterized by a yellow-brown discoloration of the central part of the lens, caused by the deterioration of older fiber cells near the center.
Posterior subcapsular cataracts develop on the posterior surface of the lens and are typically the most visually debilitating due to their central location on the lens.
Cortical cataracts are caused by the swelling and liquefaction of the younger, more peripheral cortical fiber cells. This type is characterized by radial linear opacities along the outer edge of the lens.

Cataracts can also develop in children. When they do, they are sometimes inherited or caused by an infection or inflammation during pregnancy, affecting the unborn baby. This type of cataract is called congenital, meaning present at birth.

Eye injuries can cause cataracts in people of any age. A hard blow, puncture, cut, intense heat, or chemical burn can damage the lens, resulting in what is called a traumatic cataract.

Certain infections, drugs, or diseases, such as diabetes, can also cause the lens to cloud, forming a secondary cataract.

Common Symptoms

Depending on the size and location of the cloudy areas in the lens, a person may or may not notice the development of a cataract. If the cataract is located on the outer edge of the lens, only a slight change in vision may be noticed. If the cloudiness is near the center of the lens, it usually interferes with clear vision. Common symptoms of developing cataracts include:

Blurred or double vision
Sensitivity to light and glare, which may make driving difficult
Less vivid perception of colors
Frequent changes in eyeglass prescriptions

As the cataract worsens, stronger glasses may no longer improve vision. It may help to hold objects closer to the eye for reading and close-up work. The pupil, which normally appears black, may change color and appear yellowish or white.

Risk Factors

A person is more likely to develop cataracts if they have any of the following risk factors:

Excessive sunlight exposure
Smoking
Cortisone use
Diabetes
High blood pressure
Excessive alcohol consumption
Previous eye injury or inflammation
Previous eye surgery

Cataract Diagnosis

Cataracts are usually not visible from the outside of the eye without specialized instruments. If blurred vision or other symptoms are noticed, an eye doctor should be consulted as soon as possible for a comprehensive eye examination.

An eye doctor will examine the eye using a variety of instruments to determine the type, size, and location of the cataract. Additional tests may be performed after dilating the eye to check for other eye disorders contributing to the blurred vision.

Cataract Treatment

When cataracts cause significant vision loss that interferes with daily activities or lifestyle, it may be time to consider removing them. The decision to remove a cataract is made jointly by the patient and the eye doctor, based on individual needs.

Surgery, typically performed under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis, is the only effective way to remove the cloudy lens from the eye. Lasers can often be used to soften the cataract and facilitate its removal.

Fortunately, cataract surgery is highly successful, with over 95% of patients regaining useful vision. However, as with any surgery, complications can occur, and a successful outcome cannot be guaranteed. Having top doctors and surgeons manage the surgery is the best way to ensure an optimal outcome.

Before the Operation

Before the surgery, various measurements of the eyes and vision are taken. The assessment is an opportunity to discuss any concerns regarding the operation, including:

Lens preferences, such as near vision or distance vision
The risks and benefits of surgery
The potential need for glasses after surgery
The recovery time

Benefits of Surgery

After cataract surgery, you should be able to:

See things in focus
Look into bright lights with less glare
Differentiate between colors

However, if you have another eye condition, such as diabetes or glaucoma, you may still have limited vision, even after successful surgery.

Dos and Don’ts After Cataract Surgery

For the first few weeks after surgery:

Do:

Use your eye drops as instructed.
Take it easy for the first 2 to 3 days.
Take painkillers if needed.
Bathe or shower as usual.
Read, watch TV, and use a computer.
Avoid swimming for 4 to 6 weeks.

Don’t:

Rub your eye.
Allow soap or shampoo to get into your eye.
Drive until you get the all-clear from your doctor.
Engage in strenuous exercise or housework.
Wear eye makeup for at least 4 weeks.
Fly without seeking advice from your doctor.