Crystaline Lens unit (Cataract)
Crystalline is the natural lens that focuses light rays in the center of the retina. When it becomes opaque, it’s known as a cataract. It can occur in diseases such as diabetes or medical treatments such as corticosteroids. Significant ocular trauma can easily develop into a cataract. The most common cause of cataracts is the natural aging process.
Cataracts affect 70% of people over 75 years of age. It is the leading cause of loss of vision in the world.
Modern cataract surgery uses ultrasound (phacoemulsification) to fragment the crystalline nucleus. Thus, the hardened crystalline that is 12mm in diameter can be removed through an opening measuring less than 3mm. The operation is able to restore the optical power of the lens, thanks to the implantation of an intraocular lens. We can now get very low rankings or a value of 0 after the operation, even when the eye was myopic or hyperopic before.
The intraocular lens is the most implemented human prosthesis in the world.
New intraocular lenses can correct astigmatism (Toric lenses) or reduce eyestrain (Multifocal lenses). Our team has extensive experience with these type of lenses.
The procedure consists of a brief, very safe operation that takes less than 15 minutes, has no sutures, under topical anesthesia (drops, no injections), and outpatient care in most cases. The patient is able to leave the operating room with their eyes uncovered and vision is fully restored in a few days.
It is not a good idea to wait too long to have a cataract operation because it hardens and becomes more difficult to remove. The best time, as perceived by the patient, is when the blurred vision affects their daily activities as driving, reading, etc.
Cataract surgery becomes necessary when it starts to interfere with daily visual activities of the individual.
Like all modern ophthalmic surgical procedures, the following are essential: the experience of professionals, the best diagnostic technology and best surgical instrumentation. Our Unit meets these conditions extensively.
The Cataract Unit is made up of the majority of eye surgeons from our institution since it is the most common surgical disease of ophthalmology. Dr. Susana Duch and Dr. David Andreu oversee the procedures in this unit.
