Cataracts (White Water in the Eye)
Cataracts, or "white water" in the eye, are a common condition that leads to blurred vision due to the clouding of the eye's natural lens. This condition affects millions of people worldwide and causes a range of visual symptoms that impact the quality of daily life.
Symptoms of Cataracts
Patients suffering from cataracts experience many problems and various visual symptoms, most notably the following:
- Decreased visual acuity and reduced vision: Patients find it difficult to see clearly, especially when reading or performing tasks that require visual precision.
- Seeing faded colors: Colors appear less vibrant and clear compared to before the condition.
- Seeing halos around lights: Patients may notice light circles or halos around light sources, especially at night.
- Difficulty seeing in different lighting conditions:
- If the opacity is located in the center of the lens: The patient usually complains of difficulty seeing in daylight and bright light, and feels more comfortable at night.
- If the opacity is located at the periphery of the lens: The patient usually complains of difficulty seeing at night, as vision is affected in dim lighting.
- Appearance of black spots resembling black lines: The patient may see black spots or threads moving continuously in their field of vision.
- Double vision in one eye: The patient sees two images of the same object in the affected eye.
- Blurred vision: The image is unclear or hazy.
Removing Cataracts with Medications
Dr. Amin Faisal Ellakwa confirmed that there is no medicinal treatment for cataracts in Egypt or anywhere else to date. Neither antiseptic eye drops nor antibiotics have proven effective in reversing the progression of cataracts. Many research efforts are currently focused on finding an effective medicinal method to treat cataracts, but to this day, no medication has been discovered.
Cataract surgery remains the primary option for healing and restoring normal vision. The surgery is not as difficult as some might expect, especially if performed under the supervision of an experienced surgeon. It is a procedure performed under local anesthesia of the eye, takes no more than 20 minutes, and has few complications, especially if phacoemulsification cataract surgery (ultrasound) is chosen. The success rate of cataract surgery is over 97%.
When do we need or resort to Cataract Surgery?
First, you should consult a doctor and undergo regular check-ups to monitor the progression of the condition and determine if you need cataract surgery. The doctor usually suggests cataract removal surgery when it causes blurred vision and an inability to read, write, and perform daily activities normally.
Dr. Amin Faisal Ellakwa emphasized the importance of removing cataracts at an early stage, as this is safer than waiting until late stages, because this delay can cause many complications and problems that may affect the results of the surgery and recovery.
Types of Cataract Removal Surgeries
There are several techniques for removing cataracts, which differ in the procedure method and recovery time:
Phacoemulsification Cataract Surgery (Replacement of the Damaged Lens)
This is cataract removal surgery using ultrasound, also called "lens emulsification." The surgeon makes a very small incision through which the affected lens is emulsified using ultrasound. Then a new foldable lens is implanted, which the doctor inserts through the small incision. This method is characterized by its speed and fewer complications compared to traditional surgical cataract removal.
Conventional Cataract Surgery (Traditional)
The surgery is performed through a relatively large incision in the eye. The affected lens is extracted by two methods: either extracting the lens with its capsule, or extracting the lens while preserving the posterior part of the capsule. After that, an artificial lens is implanted in place of the original lens behind the iris. Then the surgeon closes the eye incision and places a protective cover for one to three days after the operation.
Phacoemulsification Cataract Surgery (Ultrasound)
Phacoemulsification cataract surgery is considered one of the latest methods of cataract removal in the eye adopted by ophthalmologists worldwide. There is no need for a large surgical incision here, as the doctor uses ultrasound to make a very precise incision of less than 2 millimeters. Then the ultrasound waves fragment the affected lens into small pieces, which are emulsified and removed by a probe inserted by the doctor through the opening, connected to the phaco machine. Finally, the artificial lens is inserted behind the iris and securely fixed.
What distinguishes phacoemulsification cataract surgery is the short time required to perform it, as it does not exceed 15 minutes. It is also characterized by its few complications and quick recovery from the operation, as you can leave the hospital within one or two days after the procedure. Despite its many advantages, the cost of phacoemulsification cataract surgery is the most expensive, but it remains the best in terms of results and fewer complications.
Does the Eye Become Inflamed After Cataract Removal?
Eye inflammation may occur after cataract removal surgery. The causes of eye inflammation after surgery vary, including:
- Rubbing and scratching the eye and not covering it well: During the first week after surgery, this can cause eye inflammation if the patient does not adhere to the instructions.
- Exposure to high temperatures and exposure to smoke and dust.
What Happens to the Eye's Shape After the Operation?
According to studies conducted by Dr. Amin Faisal on a number of cataract patients, a slight change in the eye's shape was observed after cataract removal, with the eye appearing more spherical than it was before the operation.
Does the Operation Require Anesthesia and How Long Does It Take?
Dr. Faisal Ellakwa confirmed that this operation is quick and effective, taking 7-15 minutes. It is performed under local anesthesia, which can be in the form of eye drops or an injection around the eye, to ensure the patient feels no pain during the procedure. This operation is considered easy to perform.
Does Improvement Appear Quickly After Cataract Surgery?
It may take approximately two weeks for all post-cataract surgery symptoms, such as eye redness and blurred vision, to disappear. After that, the patient can resume all their daily activities without restrictions, while adhering to Dr. Amin Faisal Ellakwa's post-operative instructions