What causes cataracts?

Cataracts occur in the lens of the eye as a result of chemical and structural changes within the lens of the eye. These changes usually occur with age, but also due to diabetes, medications, genetic diseases, eye trauma, radiation, smoking, and other causes.

What are the symptoms of cataracts? 

Cataracts can cause blurred vision and even blindness. Also blurred vision, sensitivity to light, glare, halos, decreased night vision, changes in color vision, and the need for more light to read.

How is cataract diagnosed? 

Cataracts in the lens of the eye are diagnosed through a simple eye examination by an ophthalmologist. The test will show cloudiness in the lens of the eye.

How is cataract treated?

Cataracts are treated with a simple and quick surgical procedure under local anesthesia only. During the procedure, the cataract is completely removed along with the natural lens and an artificial lens is implanted inside the eye instead of the natural lens.

How is cataract surgery performed by Dr. Orwa Nasser?

The cataract surgery performed by Dr. Nasser is without needles, without scars and under local anesthesia only. The procedure is painless and has a quick recovery. The procedure is performed in a private hospital and under local anesthesia with eye drops only. Sometimes painkillers are given before surgery to make you feel comfortable before the procedure. You will be awake throughout the procedure and will hear Dr. Orwa talking to you and his assistants. Dr. Orwa will continue to talk to you during the surgery to reassure you. During the procedure, the cataract is removed from the eye and an artificial lens is implanted. There are no beads or needles during the procedure. At the end of the procedure, a transparent shield is placed over the eye to protect the eye but not cover it. You go home immediately after the procedure with clear instructions and an appointment for a check-up at the clinic the next day. Recovery from the procedure is quick and you will regain your vision quickly after the procedure.

Is it mandatory to implant an artificial lens during cataract surgery? Absolutely yes. We must remember that a cataract develops inside the natural lens of the eye. It is actually a clouding of the natural lens of the eye that gives us good vision. When we talk about cataract surgery, we mean removing the cloudy or opaque natural lens (cataract). That is, a cataract and the natural lens of the eye are not different, but a cataract is actually the natural lens of the eye but it is opaque and cloudy. Since the function of the lens is to give us good vision, if it is removed during cataract surgery, an artificial lens must be implanted in order for us to have good vision. So during cataract surgery, not only is the cataract removed, but the natural lens of the eye is also removed with it.

What types of lenses can be implanted during cataract surgery? There are several types:

• Monofocal lenses: This type of lens provides a single focal point (monofocal). This lens gets a single focal point for distance or for near (for reading) but not both together. The decision about which focal point to focus on in the implanted lens is up to the patient himself. If you choose a lens with a far focus, you will see well far away without glasses but will need reading glasses. The opposite is true, if you choose a lens with a near focus, you will see well near but will need glasses for distance vision.
• Multifocal lenses: These lenses provide two or more focal points, for distance, near and interfocal distance. These lenses are the best solution for patients who want to get rid of glasses for distance and near after the operation.
• Toric lenses: These lenses correct astigmatism (angles) and help patients see better after cataract surgery. These lenses can be combined with monofocal or multifocal lenses.