Minimally Invasive Cataract Surgery – Your Chance for Sharp Vision Without Glasses
Cataract is the true global “number one” on the list of causes of vision loss. That’s frightening, but there’s also great news: for us in modern ophthalmology, this is a problem we can fully reverse! Today, cataract surgery, or phacoemulsification, is a quick and minimally invasive procedure – the only sure path to a cure. But wait! What if I told you that during the procedure we can not only remove the clouded lens, but also correct your astigmatism, myopia, and even that troublesome presbyopia? At Swisslaser clinics in Warsaw and Krakow, that’s exactly what we do. We focus on precision and premium lenses to give you a new quality of life – without glasses.
What will you learn from the text below?
- How big is the cataract problem in Poland and worldwide?Worldwide, 20 million people suffer from it, and in Poland it affects approximately 800,000 people each year.
- Can cataract surgery eliminate refractive errors?Yes, by implanting a premium lens, we can correct your myopia, astigmatism, hyperopia, and presbyopia all at once.
- Why do patients choose private facilities?The public health system will not fund lenses that correct your entire refractive error; if you dream of life without glasses, you need a premium procedure.
- What makes the surgery so precise?Before we begin, we perform an OCT examination that has resolution ten times better than ultrasound, allowing us to work with surgical precision.
- What does a modern lens implanted in the eye look like?It’s a flexible, acrylic implant that we introduce through a tiny incision (1.5 to 3 mm) and that remains in the eye permanently.
The Scale of the Problem: Cataract and Coexisting Refractive Errors
Cataract in Poland and Worldwide – Numbers and Consequences Cataract is not some rare condition. Consider this: as many as 20 million people worldwide are dealing with this problem, and it’s the leading cause of blindness (nearly half!). Here in Poland, approximately 800,000 people suffer from it annually. These numbers clearly show that this disease has a massive impact on comfort and quality of life.
The Combination of Cataract and Astigmatism – Why Is This a Challenge?Cataract alone is a challenge, but imagine that it’s often accompanied by astigmatism! In 35-40% of patients on the operating table we encounter astigmatism, and in one quarter of them it is quite significant. This combination – a clouding lens plus a distorted image – makes daily life, especially for older patients, a nightmare.
Phacoemulsification – Modern Method of Treatment and Vision Correction
Cataract Surgery – The Only Solution to the ProblemAre there any drops for cataract? Unfortunately not. Cataract surgery is the only sure path to a cure. We have chosen phacoemulsification – a highly precise procedure during which we remove the clouded natural lens and implant a modern artificial lens in its place. Remember, this new lens stays with you for life!
One Surgery, Multiple Corrections – Premium LensesThinking about cataract surgery? Think freedom right away! Thanks to premium lenses, during a single procedure we can correct not only myopia, but also hyperopia, astigmatism, and even presbyopia. How do we do it? We use toric lenses, which cleverly correct astigmatism while simultaneously correcting spherical refractive errors. It’s a double win!
“Cataract surgery is a historic moment for the patient, and the appropriate selection of the lens is of critical importance for the quality of vision for life. We must remember that procedures funded by the public health system do not offer the possibility of implanting lenses that correct the entire refractive error, which is why patients who want complete independence from glasses choose private facilities. For us, this is not only cataract treatment, but true, precise refractive surgery.” – Dr Victor Derhartunian
Precision and Safety – Stages of Preparation and Surgery
OCT Diagnostics – Why Is Preliminary Examination Critical?There is no question of a good surgery without ultra-accurate diagnostics! That’s why before the procedure we always examine the retina and optic nerve using an OCT optical coherence tomograph. Did you know that OCT resolution is 10 times better than ultrasound examination? Thanks to this, we can plan the surgery with surgical precision. It’s a quick, non-contact examination, but you know what? Without the experience of the physician evaluating the results, this precision is worthless.
A tip from us:If you wear contact lenses, take a two-week break from wearing them before the examination. This is really important so that the measurements are perfect!
The Course of Minimally Invasive SurgeryOn the day of cataract surgery, everything is buttoned up to the last detail. We start with disinfecting drops. The essence of the procedure?
- We immobilize the eye with a special speculum.
- The surgeon makes a tiny incision (only 1.5 to 3 mm).
- Opens the lens capsule with a circular incision.
- The natural lens is gently broken up with ultrasound (phacoemulsification) and aspirated.
- In its place we insert the new lens – flexible, foldable, acrylic, which unfolds on its own and takes its place. Simple and brilliant!
FAQ – Quick Questions and Concrete Answers
- Does cataract surgery hurt?No, the procedure is painless because we perform it under local, topical anesthesia. It’s more comfortable than you think!
- Do I need to have astigmatism to have a toric lens implanted?We created these lenses precisely for people with astigmatism! If you have it, it’s the best option to eliminate it during cataract surgery.
- What does it mean that the lens is “foldable”?It means it’s super-flexible! We can fold it for insertion through a minimal incision (1.5-3 mm), and thanks to that you recover faster.
- Why do private facilities have more lens options?Private facilities offer premium procedures. You can choose a lens with us that will correct all your refractive errors (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, presbyopia), which the public health system will not fund for you.
- How long does recovery take after phacoemulsification?Your visual acuity improves rapidly, and you will return to normal activity the very next day. Full stabilization of vision occurs within a few weeks.
Do you want to get rid of cataract and regain perfect vision at the same time?We invite you for a consultation at Swisslaser – we’ll sit down, talk, and together choose the lens that will give you freedom.
