Cataracts usually occur as a natural result of aging, more rarely as a result of illnesses or injuries. In cataracts, lens opacity slowly increases and symptoms such as blinding, nearsightedness or unclear vision are intensified by the whitish or brownish discoloration of the lens. In contrast to glaucoma, cataracts are generally not dangerous to the eye and the time of treatment can be determined sooner or later, depending on the patients' complaints. The only treatment for cataracts is surgery or cataract surgery.
During cataract surgery, the clouded natural lens is removed and replaced by an artificial lens (intraocular lens). Cataract surgery is one of the most common procedures performed on humans and is normally a routine procedure. During cataract or cataract surgery, the natural clouded lens is shattered with ultrasound and sucked out through a hollow needle (phacoemulsification). In individual, very advanced cases, the lens cannot be shattered and must be carefully pushed out of the eye (extracapsular lens removal). In both methods, the lens capsule should remain intact so that the artificial lens can later be inserted stably and correctly centered.
Cataracts are usually detected during a routine check. This is followed by an in-depth examination of the cornea, retina including periphery, eye length measurement (biometry). Looking at the measurement values together, the operation is then discussed and a suitable artificial lens (IOL) is determined.
Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (femto-cataract surgery) shines with its precision. Blades are generally not used. The lens capsule is opened with a laser beam with micrometer accuracy, circular and exactly centered on the pupil. This improves the stability of the lens capsule, which later serves as a suspension for the artificial lens. Furthermore, the clouded lens is crushed with great precision, which facilitates suction and thus protects the cornea. This technique is generally more accurate and gentler than manual gray star surgery.
Cataract surgery is primarily used to replace the clouded lens with a clear artificial lens so that light can reach the eye unhindered again. The old glasses usually have to be adjusted after surgery because the refractive properties of the artificial lens do not exactly match the natural lens. Thanks to the latest lens calculations, specially designed lens implants can compensate for existing vision defects such as astigmatism, farsightedness, nearsightedness and presbyopia. These so-called value-added lenses enable patients to see sharply at one or more distances without glasses.
binocular long-range vision
Both eyes are corrected so that you can see sharply into the distance after surgery. Glasses are still required for medium and close distances.
Both eyes are corrected so that you can see clearly near (reading newspapers) or mid-range (computer/notebook). Glasses are necessary for viewing in the distance (watching TV/driving a car).
Your guide eye is corrected so that you can see sharply into the distance. The other, non-dominant eye covers mid-distance vision. You have the advantage that you no longer need glasses for most daily activities after the procedure. Conventional single-vision glasses can help you read newspapers in a relaxed way. With a contact lens test, monovision can be simulated and provide information about compatibility.
