Cataract treatment in Ternopil

Cataract is an eye disease in which partial or complete clouding of the lens is formed. Most often, the cause of this pathology is age-related changes that lead to the destruction of protein, due to which the lens loses its transparency. It is advisable to visit a doctor if you suspect cataracts at the first signs of the following symptoms:

• visual impairment;
• blurring of the image;
• change in the colour of the eye pupil;
• change in the level of photosensitivity (increased or decreased);
• difficulties in choosing glasses and the need for their frequent replacement.

However, modern medicine does not know the methods of effective medical treatment of cataracts. It is possible to get rid of this disease only surgically.

Peculiarities of cataract surgery

The essence of surgical treatment of cataract is to completely remove the affected lens and replace it with an intraocular one – an artificial lens. It is better to perform such an operation in the early stages of cataract, because certain complications may arise in the already advanced stages. Therefore, it is very important to undergo the necessary diagnosis and start treatment in a timely manner.

Immediately before surgery, the patient must undergo a series of tests, including:

• general analysis of blood and urine;
• general sugar analysis;
• cardiogram;
• fluorography.

In addition, it is necessary to provide an opinion from a therapist or family doctor, a dentist, an otolaryngologist, and for patients with diabetes, from an endocrinologist. Heavy physical exertion, alcohol use, and taking anticoagulants are excluded several days before the procedure.

What is the procedure of cataract surgery?

Surgical removal of cataracts is called phacoemulsification. This minimally invasive method involves the use of microsurgical devices. Before the invention of this method, extracapsular extraction was used, after which sutures were applied to the operated site, and the patient was rehabilitated for quite a long time.

Nowadays, direct replacement of the lens occurs through micro incisions. A phaco needle is inserted into a micro section up to 2 mm in size. It generates ultrasonic waves that crush the lens without destroying its natural capsule, and aspirates the resulting particles. An implant (an artificial lens) as a flexible lens is inserted into the preserved natural capsule of the lens; later it expands in the capsule.

In modern ophthalmic surgery, it is possible to replace the lens with a monofocal or multifocal lens.

Monofocal lenses are classic lenses that can provide maximum distance vision. However, the patient will need glasses for example for reading.

More modern lenses are multifocal (usually have three focal points). They make it possible to get rid of glasses and see equally clearly and sharply both at long and near distances.

Micro incisions made during phacoemulsification do not require suturing. Patients return to their usual comfortable life quite quickly. In addition, the risk of postoperative astigmatism or corneal deformation after this procedure is minimal.

Cataract treatment at Viasan Medical Centre

Ophthalmic surgeons of the Viasan Medical Centre in Ternopil are experienced, highly professional specialists. In its work, the medical centre uses only modern ultra-precise diagnostic and surgical equipment by Alcon, which allows treating cataracts on an outpatient basis, without pain and discomfort for the patient.