Cataract is a physiological phenomenon linked to age. It is characterized by clouding of the crystalline lens, the lens located behind the iris. Cataracts are the cause of a reduction in visual acuity and affect 75% of people over 70 years old. The only treatment for cataracts is surgical and the procedure consists of removing the lens and then replacing it with an implant. It is the nature of this implant which will determine whether or not the patient will need glasses after the procedure.
Placement of a multifocal implant: no glasses after the operation!
“When all conditions are met, a multifocal implant can be placed in the eye which allows you to see near and far after surgery.”, explains Dr. Stéphanie Zwillinger, ophthalmic surgeon. “The patient will therefore not need glasses. And we can even make him a refractive surgery at the same time of operation”, adds the specialist. When there are refractive disorders to be corrected, and depending on the preoperative assessment and the orthoptic assessment, the surgeon supports the patient in choosing the implant that suits them best. “We know, for example, that a patient who cannot see relief will not tolerate multifocal implants. It is also necessary to discuss with very myopic patients the advantages and risks of removing all myopia.”, observes Dr. Zwillinger.
An implant combined with refractive surgery to do without glasses
However, in certain cases, the conditions are not met to install multifocal implants, which replace progressive glasses. “We put an implant but we can also aim to offer patients a refractive correction, the best according to their case”, explains the specialist. “For example, we can place toric implants in patients who have severe astigmatism, and completely correct myopia andhyperopia by surgery.”, adds Dr. Zwillinger. The latter reminds us that since myopia compensates for presbyopia, patients sometimes prefer to keep a little myopia.
Cataract surgery: should I wear sunglasses after the procedure?
Implants today come with filters that protect the macula from harmful UV rays and even blue light from computer screens. “It is therefore not obligatory to wear sunglasses after the procedure. However, as the clouded cataract is replaced by an artificial but transparent lens, patients may be dazzled and therefore more comfortable at first with sunglasses.nuance the ophthalmologist.
Cataract: can I wear my old glasses and when to get permanent glasses?
“Patients are advised not to wear their old glasses. They will not see well, risk forcing and having headache”, explains Dr. Zwillinger. It is however possible if they are glasses for seeing up close and the intervention has removed the hyperopia, but it is recommended to wear a neutral lens so that the brain gets used to it. It is also possible to make additional glasses within two weeks after surgery but the permanent glasses, if the person needs them, should only be made one month after second eye surgery. “But if we have corrected the majority of refractive disorders by far, patients can simply buy magnifying glasses in pharmacies”, concludes the specialist.
Thanks to Dr. Stéphanie Zwillinger, ophthalmic surgeon. Ophthalmology practice COP9.