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Cataract surgery is one of the most frequently performed — and safest — procedures in all of medicine. If your vision is gradually becoming hazy, here is what you should know: when to operate, how the procedure works, and what to expect afterwards.
What is a cataract?
Inside the eye is a natural lens: the crystalline lens. With age, it gradually becomes opaque — this is the cataract. Vision becomes hazy, as if through frosted glass: dull colors, glare at night, difficulty reading.
A cataract is not a serious disease in itself, but it progresses: only surgical treatment can restore clear vision — no eye drops or medication make it disappear.
When should it be operated on?
There is no emergency in most cases: surgery is done when the visual impairment affects your daily life — driving, reading, television, independence. Waiting too long can, however, make the procedure more delicate. The decision is made with your ophthalmologist, after a complete examination.
Before the operation: the work-up
A precise preoperative work-up is carried out at the practice, including in particular a biometry : the exact measurement of your eye that makes it possible to calculate the power of theimplant (the artificial lens that will replace the crystalline lens). The choice of implant is tailored to your eyes and lifestyle — it can in particular correct part of your original prescription at the same time.
During the operation: quick and painless
- Local anesthesia with drops — no general anesthesia in the great majority of cases;
- The phacoemulsification technique: the clouded lens is broken up by ultrasound and aspirated through a micro-incision, then the implant is placed;
- Duration: about 15 to 20 minutes ;
- No hospital stay: you go home the same day;
- No sutures needed in most cases.
After the operation: recovery
Vision usually clears as early as the next day and continues to improve in the following days. A few simple instructions:
- Instill the eye drops prescribed for the indicated period;
- Do not rub the operated eye and wear the protective shield at night in the first few days;
- Avoid water in the eye, dust and strenuous effort in the first week;
- Keep your check-up appointments.
The second eye, if affected, is generally operated on a few days to a few weeks later.
And if vision becomes hazy again months later?
This is not a return of the cataract, but most often a secondary cataract : the thin capsule that supports the implant becomes cloudy. The treatment is simple: a session of YAG laser at the practice — without surgery, painless, in a few minutes.
Frequently asked questions
Is the operation painful?
No. Thanks to local anesthesia, you feel at most a sensation of pressure. Mild discomfort is possible in the first few days.
Will I still wear glasses afterwards?
It depends on the implant chosen and on your eyes. In many cases, dependence on glasses greatly decreases; a supplementary correction (especially for reading) may remain useful.
When can I resume my activities?
Quiet activities generally resume very quickly, often as early as the next day. Driving, work and sport according to your surgeon’s advice at the check-up.
Cataract surgery in Fez, Morocco
The Dr Oulehri Hassan eye-care centre in Fez performs cataract surgery by phacoemulsification, with a complete biometric work-up and an implant choice tailored to each patient.
Is your vision becoming hazy? Book an appointment for an assessment or call 0532-023012 / 0615-557141 (WhatsApp).
To go further, browse our other eye-care articles in Fez, Morocco, or book an appointment at Dr Oulehri’s practice for a complete work-up before your cataract surgery.