Cataract

Cataract is the clouding of the eye’s natural transparent lens, which prevents light rays from properly entering the eye and reaching the retina. As a result, visual acuity becomes reduced to varying degrees.

Cataracts may be congenital or acquired.

Causes of Congenital Cataract

Possible causes of congenital cataract include:

• Infectious diseases during pregnancy

• Birth trauma

• Long-term use of hormonal medications during pregnancy

• Use of narcotic substances or alcohol during pregnancy

• Other prenatal factors

Causes of Acquired Cataract

The most common cause of acquired cataract is aging. Other contributing factors include:

• Blunt or penetrating eye trauma

• Systemic diseases such as diabetes mellitus and hypothyroidism

• Metabolic disorders

• Inflammatory and degenerative eye diseases

• Long-term steroid use

• Exposure to toxic substances, ultraviolet radiation, and radiation therapy

• Excessive tobacco and alcohol consumption, which significantly increase cataract risk

Symptoms of Cataract

Common symptoms include:

• Blurred or decreased vision

• Double vision

• Changes in color perception

• Frequent need to change eyeglass prescriptions

• Gradual worsening of vision over time

• Temporary “false” nearsightedness in elderly patients
  (for example, a person who previously required reading glasses may temporarily regain near vision while distance vision deteriorates)

A transparent natural lens allows light rays to pass fully through the eye and focus sharply on the retina, producing a clear image. A cloudy lens blocks and scatters light, causing blurred and unclear vision.

When Is Cataract Surgery Recommended?

If reduced vision interferes with daily activities such as:

• Driving

• Reading

• Computer work

• Watching television

• Other routine tasks

and cataract is the cause, surgical treatment is recommended.

The procedure involves replacing the cloudy natural lens with a transparent artificial intraocular lens (IOL).

Is Medication Effective for Cataract?

Eye drops, tablets, or medications cannot cure cataract. Surgical intervention is the only effective treatment.

The older belief that cataract must “mature” before surgery is outdated. Early surgical treatment is safer and generally provides better visual outcomes.

Preoperative Examination

Before cataract surgery, a comprehensive ophthalmologic examination is essential to accurately determine the most appropriate intraocular lens model according to the patient’s:

• Lifestyle

• Profession

• Visual needs

Modern Cataract Surgery

Modern cataract surgery is a sutureless ultrasound phacoemulsification procedure with implantation of a foldable artificial lens.

The operation:

• Is performed under local anesthesia

• Takes approximately 10–15 minutes

• Is performed on an outpatient basis

At Akhali Mzera Eye Clinic, cataract surgery is performed using advanced surgical systems from ZEISS and ALCON.

During the “sutureless” procedure:

• A small 2–2.5 mm incision is created

• The cloudy lens is fragmented using ultrasound and simultaneously aspirated

• A foldable artificial lens is implanted through the same microincision and positioned behind the iris in place of the removed lens

Recovery After Surgery

Recovery is generally rapid, allowing patients to return to normal daily activities shortly after surgery.

For approximately 4–5 weeks following the procedure, prescribed eye drops must be used as directed.

The implanted artificial lens usually remains in the eye permanently and does not require replacement.

Types of Artificial Intraocular Lenses (IOLs)

At Akhali Mzera Eye Clinic, only high-quality intraocular lenses are used.

Standard Monofocal Lens

Provides restoration of vision either for distance or near vision, depending on the patient’s individual needs.

Premium Intraocular Lenses

Aspheric Monofocal Lens

Improved optical characteristics provide higher quality vision and better contrast sensitivity.

Toric Lens

Corrects both cataract-related vision loss and astigmatism.

Extended Focus / Bifocal Lens

Its specialized optical design provides high-quality vision for distance and intermediate range (approximately 70 cm), especially useful for:

• Computer users

• Drivers

Multifocal Lens

Provides good vision simultaneously at:

• Distance

• Intermediate

• Near range

while also correcting presbyopia.

Multifocal Toric Lens

This advanced optical design corrects:

• Cataract

• Presbyopia

• Astigmatism

allowing patients to achieve high-quality vision at all distances.

Secondary Cataract

Approximately 12–24 months after cataract surgery — especially in younger and middle-aged patients — a condition known as secondary cataract may develop.

This occurs due to clouding of the posterior capsule behind the implanted lens, causing partial vision deterioration.

Treatment is performed painlessly in the ophthalmologist’s office using a special YAG laser. The procedure takes only 2–3 minutes and is highly effective.

Cataract Treatment at Akhali Mzera Eye Clinic

If cataract is the cause of your vision impairment, Akhali Mzera Eye Clinic offers highly qualified ophthalmologic care and a wide selection of premium intraocular lenses.

Following a complete eye examination, you and your treating ophthalmologist or surgeon can jointly determine the most appropriate lens model based on your visual expectations and eye condition.