Cataract surgery for patients with keratoconus
What is a cataract and what is keratoconus?
A cataract is a clouding or opacity in the normally clear lens of the eye that can cause vision impairment and blurring to the point of blindness. While keratoconus is a condition in which the cornea thins and loses its natural shape and begins to bulge forward until it takes the shape of a cone. This condition causes irregular astigmatism and severe nearsightedness, which leads to vision impairment and even blindness.
How to treat cataracts in keratoconus patients?
Cataract treatment is generally done through a simple, quick surgical procedure under local anesthesia. 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. However, in the case of cataracts in keratoconus patients, there are several differences such as: lens measurements, approach The surgical and the type of lens to be implanted.
It is recommended for keratoconus patients to undergo several examinations before the operation, including medical imaging of the cornea and eyeball, in order to determine the lens power required in the operation. In keratoconus patients, it is advisable to consider implanting special lenses that also treat the corneal angles resulting from keratoconus. In most cases of keratoconus, it is recommended to avoid implanting a multifocal lens, unless the keratoconus is in an early stage.
What lenses can be implanted in keratoconus patients?
As mentioned earlier, during cataract surgery, an artificial lens must be implanted inside the eye in order to have good vision after the operation. There are several types of lenses that can be implanted and are produced by many local and international companies. In keratoconus patients, it is recommended to implant monofocal lenses if possible. Monofocal lenses are lenses with a single focus center and there are no multiple focus centers as we see in multifocal lenses.
How is cataract surgery performed for keratoconus patients by Dr. Orwa Nasser?
The cataract surgery performed by Dr. Nasser is without needles, without scars and under local anesthesia only. The operation is painless and has a quick recovery. The operation is performed in a private hospital and under local anesthesia with eye drops only. Sometimes painkillers are given before the operation to make you feel comfortable before the operation. You will be awake throughout the operation 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 operation, the cataract is removed from the eye and an artificial lens is implanted. There are no stitches or needles during the operation. At the end of the operation, a transparent shield is placed over the eye to protect the eye but without covering it. You return home immediately after the operation with clear instructions and an appointment for a check-up at the clinic the next day. Recovery from the operation is fast and you will regain your vision quickly after the operation.