Dr. Orwa Nasser MD MPH - Cataract Surgery List Article #1

Cataract Surgery List Article #1

Cataract is actually a clouding of the lens of the eye, which is normally transparent. The lens is a round, transparent structure located in the center of the eye behind the pupil. The function of the lens is to focus light rays on the retina, thus obtaining a clear and focused image. Clouding or clouding of the lens leads to a defect in focusing light rays on the retina, thus obtaining blurred vision. In addition, as cataracts progress, light rays are blocked, which leads to blindness.

What causes cataracts?
Cataracts occur in the lens of the eye as a result of chemical and structural changes within the lens of the eye. These changes usually occur with age, but also due to diabetes, medications, genetic diseases, eye trauma, radiation, smoking, and other causes.

What are the symptoms of cataracts? 
Cataracts can cause blurred vision and even blindness. Also blurred vision, sensitivity to light, glare, halos, decreased night vision, changes in color vision, and the need for more light to read.

How is cataract diagnosed? 
Cataracts in the lens of the eye are diagnosed through a simple eye examination by an ophthalmologist. The test will show cloudiness in the lens of the eye.

How is cataract treated?
Cataracts are treated with a simple and quick surgical procedure under local anesthesia only. During the procedure, the cataract is completely removed along with the natural lens and an artificial lens is implanted inside the eye instead of the natural lens.
 
How is cataract surgery performed by Dr. Orwa Nasser?
The cataract surgery performed by Dr. Nasser is without needles, without scars and under local anesthesia only. The procedure is painless and has a quick recovery. The procedure is performed in a private hospital and under local anesthesia with eye drops only. Sometimes painkillers are given before surgery to make you feel comfortable before the procedure. You will be awake throughout the procedure and will hear Dr. Orwa talking to you and his assistants. Dr. Orwa will continue to talk to you during the surgery to reassure you. During the procedure, the cataract is removed from the eye and an artificial lens is implanted. There are no beads or needles during the procedure. At the end of the procedure, a transparent shield is placed over the eye to protect the eye but not cover it. You go home immediately after the procedure with clear instructions and an appointment for a check-up at the clinic the next day. Recovery from the procedure is quick and you will regain your vision quickly after the procedure.
 
Is it mandatory to implant an artificial lens during cataract surgery? Absolutely yes. We must remember that a cataract develops inside the natural lens of the eye. It is actually a clouding of the natural lens of the eye that gives us good vision. When we talk about cataract surgery, we mean removing the cloudy or opaque natural lens (cataract). That is, a cataract and the natural lens of the eye are not different, but a cataract is actually the natural lens of the eye but it is opaque and cloudy. Since the function of the lens is to give us good vision, if it is removed during cataract surgery, an artificial lens must be implanted in order for us to have good vision. So during cataract surgery, not only is the cataract removed, but the natural lens of the eye is also removed with it.

What types of lenses can be implanted during cataract surgery? There are several types:

• - Monofocal lenses: This type of lens provides a single focal point (monofocal). This lens gets a single focal point for distance or for near (for reading) but not both together. The decision about which focal point to focus on in the implanted lens is up to the patient himself. If you choose a lens with a far focus, you will see well far away without glasses but will need reading glasses. The opposite is true, if you choose a lens with a near focus, you will see well near but will need glasses for distance vision.
• - Multifocal lenses: These lenses provide two or more focal points, for distance, near and interfocal distance. These lenses are the best solution for patients who want to get rid of glasses for distance and near after the operation.
• - Toric lenses: These lenses correct astigmatism (angles) and help patients see better after cataract surgery. These lenses can be combined with monofocal or multifocal lenses.
  
  How is cataract surgery performed by Dr. Nasser?
• - The surgery is performed without stitches, without visible scars, under local anesthesia, with no pain, and with an expected rapid recovery. It is carried out as a day-care procedure under local anesthesia using only eye drops. Sometimes, a sedative medication is given before the surgery to reduce anxiety.
• - The patient remains awake throughout the procedure and can hear Dr. Nasser speaking to them and to the surgical team. During the operation, the cloudy lens is removed from the eye and replaced with a silicone intraocular lens. No stitches are required.
• - At the end of the surgery, a transparent shield is placed over the eye. The patient goes home immediately after the procedure with clear instructions and an appointment scheduled for a follow-up visit at the clinic the next day. Recovery and healing are typically very fast.