Frequently asked questions about CATARACTS

The onset of cataracts cannot be prevented, nor can their development be delayed or stopped, as they are usually associated with the natural aging of the eye. For this reason, they will inevitably progress over time, causing a gradual deterioration in the quality of vision of those who suffer from them.

Generally, once you are over 60 years old. However, it can also appear from the age of 50 onwards. In particular, this widespread visual condition can occur earlier in short-sighted patients, especially if they have high prescriptions.

Cataracts will inevitably develop over time at a rate that varies from person to person, so regular monitoring is advisable. As the cataract progresses, you will notice that your vision becomes less clear, until you reach a point where you feel limited in your daily routines. This is when your ophthalmologist should assess the most suitable cataract treatments and the optimal time for surgery, depending on the severity of your cataract.

Currently, the femtosecond laser cataract treatments offered exclusively by Oftalmedic Salvà in the Balearic Islands are the most advanced technology available to resolve this visual problem. The major difference compared to traditional surgery, which is phacoemulsification with ultrasound, is that the femtosecond laser allows the most relevant phases of this surgical procedure to be mechanized, which until now had been performed manually by the surgeon. This ensures maximum safety, precision, and speed in the treatment.

Yes. Today, this is possible thanks to the implantation of state-of-the-art intraocular lenses that replace the natural lens that has lost its transparency (become cloudy) and perform the same function. These are multifocal lenses designed to provide patients with good vision at all distances (near, intermediate, and far) without the need for glasses, thanks to their three focal points.

The patient may feel some pressure in the eye during the procedure, but it is painless as topical anesthesia in the form of drops is applied at the beginning.

No hospital admission is required. This is an outpatient procedure, meaning that the patient can return home on the same day on their own, after a follow-up consultation with their surgeon.

Normally, two to three days after the procedure, the patient can gradually resume their normal life. In the days following the procedure, they should avoid any overexertion and follow the instructions and eye drop treatment prescribed by their ophthalmologist. The specialist will monitor the progress of their visual recovery during scheduled post-operative consultations until they determine that it is appropriate to discharge them.

Yes, since the operation involves removing the cataract, i.e., the lens that has lost its natural transparency, and replacing it with an artificial lens that will perform the same function from then on.

Current intraocular lenses are designed to provide maximum stability once implanted in the patient’s eye, so they are not expected to cause any discomfort. There are cases in which the lens can become “dirty” a few months or even years after the operation, progressively affecting the sharpness of your vision. When this occurs, a specific treatment is indicated to clean the lens using a type of laser called Neomidio-YAG, which allows the problem to be solved on an outpatient basis, effectively, quickly, and painlessly for the patient.