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Cataract is one of the leading causes of vision loss after age 60. In Fez, Morocco, cataract surgery is a common, quick and well-mastered procedure that restores clear vision. Here, explained simply, is the essential to know: the signs, the right time to operate, how the procedure works and the recovery.
What is a cataract?
A cataract is the progressive clouding of the lens, the natural lens located inside the eye. With age, this lens becomes less transparent: vision blurs, a little as if through frosted glass. It is most often age-related, but diabetes, certain treatments (corticosteroids), high myopia or an injury can bring it on earlier.
What are the signs of a cataract?
- Increasingly blurred or hazy vision, both far and near
- Discomfort with light and glare, especially at night while driving
- Colors that appear dull or yellowed
- The need to change glasses often
When these signs appear, an eye examination can simply confirm the diagnosis.
When should a cataract be operated on?
There is no precise age: it is the discomfort felt in daily life that guides the decision (driving, reading, work, leisure). Surgery is offered when the loss of vision becomes disabling. In some cases, the surgeon may recommend it earlier, for example when the lens is very hard or to monitor another eye disease. An assessment is necessary to evaluate each situation.
How does the operation work?
The reference procedure is phacoemulsification : through a micro-incision, the clouded lens is broken up with ultrasound then removed, and replaced with an intraocular implant (an artificial lens) calculated to measure. It is most often performed under local anesthesia (drops), on an outpatient basis, and generally lasts about fifteen minutes per eye.
Which implant to choose?
The implant permanently replaces the lens. Depending on your needs and the examination, several types exist:
- Monofocal : clear vision at one distance (often far), with glasses for near.
- Toric : also corrects astigmatism.
- Multifocal or extended depth of focus : aims to reduce dependence on glasses, both far and near.
The choice is discussed at the work-up, according to your eye and your lifestyle.
Recovery after the operation
Visual recovery is generally quick, over a few days. Eye drops are prescribed for a few weeks. It is recommended to avoid rubbing the eye, dust and major exertion in the first few days. A postoperative follow-up checks that healing is going well. The second eye, if needed, is operated on at a later time.
And the “secondary cataract”?
Sometimes, months or years later, vision may become hazy again: this is secondary cataract (clouding of the membrane that supports the implant). It is treated in a few minutes with the YAG laser, without further surgery.
The cataract work-up in Fez, Morocco
At Dr Oulehri Hassan’s practice in Fez, the preoperative work-up relies on precise tests (biometric measurements to calculate the implant, a complete eye examination) to personalize the procedure. To learn more, see our page Cataract surgery.
Frequently asked questions
Is the operation painful? No, it is done under local anesthesia; the eye is numbed.
How long does it take? Generally about fifteen minutes per eye.
Will I regain good vision? In the great majority of cases, vision improves clearly; the result depends on the overall condition of the eye.
Are both eyes operated on the same day? Generally, the two eyes are operated on a few days or weeks apart.
Make an appointment
Do you have signs of a cataract or would like an opinion? An assessment is necessary to evaluate your vision and offer you the suitable solution. Book an appointment on WhatsApp or by phone at 0615 557 141.