Recovering vision: cataract and intraocular lens operations at Quirónsalud Murcia

The Quirónsalud Murcia Hospital is one of the national reference centers in the treatment of cataracts thanks to his know-how. This is because its ophthalmology unit has a team of professionals who rely on the most advanced technology to perform cataract operations.

What are cataracts and why do they occur?

Cataracts are more than just an eye disorder that many people describe as fog. In them, opacity of the lens occurs, by definition, although this does not always imply loss of vision and operation, but it is common.

The most common cause of this problem is ocular aging due to loss of elasticity and transparency of the lens. However, there are many other possible reasons, such as congenital cataracts, those secondary to ocular inflammation, those secondary to eye surgeries, etc. Therefore, although it is common for them to occur in people 45 years of age or older, they can also appear from birth.

How to recognize the symptoms of cataracts?

People who go to an ophthalmology clinic concerned about this condition often describe symptoms of lower visual acuity. Without a doubt, it is the main cause of complaints that ophthalmologists receive. But you also have to pay attention to other symptoms of cataracts that are less known, such as:

– Photophobia or discomfort in environments with intense light.

– Loss of vision in the dark.

– Change in the patient's refraction.

– Double vision, in rare cases.

What is the most indicated surgery for cataracts and how is the technique performed?

Currently, the indicated surgery for cataracts is Phacoemulsification of the lens with ultrasound and implantation of an intraocular lens. This intervention is carried out with local anesthesia, which can be periocular or only with drops.

The surgical technique requires making a small incision that will facilitate the dissolution of the cataract with ultrasound and its subsequent aspiration. Afterwards, an intraocular lens is implanted in the lens sac itself. One of the advantages of this procedure is that does not require suturegiven that the incisions are just 2 millimeters.

Is there an age limit to undergo cataract surgery?

Dr. Losada has a long history in the field of ophthalmology and states that “there is no age limit to perform cataract surgery. In reality, this intervention can be performed from two months of age for congenital cataracts and up to any age. In fact, I myself have several patients over 100 years old who have undergone surgery for this condition.

For the doctor, the main thing is the indication of the need to operate them.

What is the cataract postoperative period like and when can you return to a normal life?

In more than 99% of cases, the surgery proceeds without complications and recovery is very fast. If the anesthesia used was topical, the patient leaves with the eye uncovered and seeing.

The postoperative cataract phase is painless, although antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops must be applied for 3 or 4 weeks.

What types of intraocular lenses are used for cataracts?

As mentioned above, in cataract surgery the opacified lens is removed and replaced with an intraocular lens. These lenses represent a technological breakthrough, both in terms of visual correction and the quality of vision they offer. And several types can be differentiated: monofocal and multifocal.

Monofocal intraocular lenses

These types of lenses are designed to focus at a specific distance, usually for distance vision.

The main function of monofocal intraocular lenses is to provide clear, sharp vision at a fixed distance. Typically, a focus distance is chosen to optimize distance visionallowing you to see distant objects clearly.

Therefore, if clear vision both far and near is desired, additional glasses may be needed. In this sense, reading glasses are often used for close activities, such as reading or working on an electronic device.

Multifocal intraocular lenses

Multifocal lenses are designed with multiple focus zones. Consequently, they allow clear vision both far and near and even at intermediate distances.

These lenses use an optical principle called diffraction or refraction to split light into different focal points. This means that the eye can focus on both far and near objects without the need to constantly change glasses or contact lenses.

Within the category of multifocal lenses, two main subtypes can be differentiated:

– EDOF lenses. They give a clearer transition between distances and reduce dependence on glasses

– Trifocal lenses. They offer a more complete and versatile vision in different everyday situations such as, for example, reading, working on the computer or driving.

The main advantage of multifocal lenses is adaptive vision, allowing patients to see clearly and sharply at different distances.

How to choose an intraocular lens?

In cataract surgery, ophthalmic surgeons place an intraocular lens (IOL). However, making the right selection is essential to obtain greater visual comfort after the intervention.

There are many factors that influence the choice of lens, since each case requires its own approach and intraocular lens. Let's look at the most important ones:

– Lifestyle. The range of vision (close, medium or far) that each person needs is determined by their habits, profession and hobbies. It is important to know that not all lenses cover the same range and not all people need the same thing.

– Patient graduation. Although we could operate on the cataract without correcting the astigmatism, it is worth taking advantage of the opportunity of surgery to also reduce dependence on glasses and provide a greater quality of life to the patient. This is something we also do in people who suffer from nearsightedness or farsightedness.

– Tear quality and existence of dry eyes.

– Previous ocular pathologies.

– Pre-existing systemic pathologies such as, for example, diabetes.

– Characteristics of the eyes. Before performing this intervention, attention should also be paid to possible irregularities of the cornea.

Dr. Manuel Losada indicates that, after previously carrying out this exhaustive study, it is easier to make a good decision about which lens to implant. Likewise, it will be guaranteed that the patient's expectations will be met.

Cutting-edge surgery to restore visual quality

The Ophthalmology Unit of the Quirónsalud Hospital of Murcia has one of the best teams in cataract treatment. Directed by Dr. Manuel Losada, it improves the quality of life of its patients after successful cataract operations with the help of the latest technologies and the use of appropriate intraocular lenses.

Request more information about cataract surgery at the Quirónsalud Murcia Hospital.