Have you ever wondered what it’s like to see the world in full color again, without that annoying fog in front of your eyes? Although a “cataract” diagnosis sounds scary to many people, in reality it’s simply another stage that modern medicine handles brilliantly. At our SwissLaser clinics in Warsaw and Krakow, we prove every day that cataract removal is not just a routine procedure, but above all a chance for a second youth for your eyes. Get comfortable, because I’m about to explain what this is all about.
What will you learn from the text below?
- What’s the difference between primary and secondary cataracts?Primary cataracts are a clouding of your natural lens, while secondary cataracts are a minor “soiling” of the lens capsule that sometimes appears after surgery.
- Are drops alone enough to get rid of the problem?Let’s not kid ourselves – cataracts are treated exclusively by replacing the old lens with a new one, because no medication will dissolve them.
- Which surgical method is best today?The standard is ultrasonic phacoemulsification through a micro-incision. Femtosecond laser assistance has not shown superiority in large randomized trials (FACT, FEMCAT), which is why at SwissLaser we no longer use it in cataract surgery.
- What is this whole capsulotomy procedure?It’s a lightning-fast laser procedure that restores sharp vision if secondary cataracts catch up with you.
- Is it possible for cataracts to come back after years?The cataract itself doesn’t return, because the artificial lens is permanent, but it’s precisely secondary cataracts that can “pretend” the disease has returned – fortunately, they’re easy to remove.
What are primary cataracts? Definition and types
Imagine that the lens in your eye is like a camera lens. At first it’s crystal clear, but over time it starts to become cloudy. That’s exactly what primary cataracts are – a slow process through which the world starts to look as if you’re viewing it through a dirty window.
Congenital cataracts – diagnosis in the youngest patients
Sometimes fate plays tricks and a child is born with a clouded lens. There’s no time to wait! Quick action by parents and doctors is crucial so that the baby’s brain learns to receive images correctly.
Complicated and drug-induced cataracts – the role of systemic diseases and steroids
Sometimes cataracts are a “stowaway” with other diseases, such as diabetes. They also often appear in people who have to take steroids for a long time. Did you know that medications for asthma or rheumatism can have such an impact on your eyes?
Senile cataracts – the aging process and vision
This is a classic. Our bodies simply wear out, and the proteins in the lens clump together. It’s the natural order of things, but hey – you don’t have to accept it at all!
Modern methods of treating primary cataracts
“At SwissLaser we don’t just focus on removing the problem. We simply design your new vision” – says Dr. Victor Derhartunian. “Forget about pills or drops for cataracts, because they don’t work. We need to replace your old, opaque lens with a new, artificial one. We do it so precisely that patients are often shocked at how quickly they get back in shape”.
Phacoemulsification – the classic ultrasonic method
This is a proven method that doctors have been using for years. We use ultrasound to break up the old lens, and then gently suction it out. A solid method that has helped millions of people.
Femtoemulsification – the precision of the femtosecond laser
If you’re looking for something top-shelf, this is it. Here, the laser does most of the work. Thanks to it, the incisions are perfect, and the eye regenerates in a flash. It’s like “surgery 2.0”.
Secondary cataracts (PCO) as a postoperative complication
You know that feeling when after a perfectly done repair something starts to malfunction again? Some patients worry when after a year or two their vision “drops” again. Relax, the cataract hasn’t returned! This is so-called PCO.
Mechanism of formation: What happens to the posterior lens capsule?
During surgery, we leave the natural capsule that holds the new lens in place. Sometimes cells start to multiply on this capsule, making it cloudy. See the difference? The lens is clear, but its “packaging” needs refreshing.
Causes and time of occurrence
It can happen after a few months, or maybe after years. If you have high myopia or diabetes, the risk is slightly higher, but it’s still nothing terrible.
How to distinguish symptoms of primary from secondary cataracts?
For you, the effect will be similar:
- The image loses sharpness again.
- Colors become dull and faded.
- Car lights at night start to blind you more than usual.
Remember one thing, though: Your new, artificial lens will never cloud over. It’s physically impossible! If you see worse, it’s simply that the tissue around it needs a small laser correction.
Posterior capsulotomy – a safe way to treat secondary cataracts
Fixing secondary cataracts is really cosmetic, not a serious operation. We don’t need an operating room or a scalpel.
What does the YAG laser procedure involve?
You sit comfortably, as for a regular examination. The doctor aims the YAG laser at the clouded capsule and “shoots” a beam of light, making a tiny opening in it. It’s like wiping a dusty window.
Course and duration
The whole thing takes 2 to 10 minutes. We put drops in your eyes so you don’t feel anything. Afterwards you may have mild photophobia for an hour or two (from the examination drops), but that’s a small price to pay for a crystal-clear image.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions
1. Does laser capsulotomy hurt?Absolutely not. This is one of those procedures that patients say: “Is that all?”.
2. How quickly will I recover?Practically immediately. As soon as the pupil-dilating drops wear off, you can return to normal life.
3. Will I have to repeat this?Usually once is enough for a lifetime. Once cleaned, the capsule usually remains clear.
4. Will I still need glasses after the procedure?It depends on what lens we implanted during your first surgery. If you chose a Premium model, glasses may not be needed at all.
5. Where is the best place to have such a procedure done?We invite you to SwissLaser in Warsaw or Krakow. We have equipment that does the job, and doctors who really know their stuff.
Sources
- Awasthi N, Guo S, Wagner BJ. Posterior capsular opacification: a problem reduced but not yet eradicated. Arch Ophthalmol 2009;127(4):555–562. doi:10.1001/archophthalmol.2009.3
- Liu YC, Wilkins M, Kim T, Malyugin B, Mehta JS. Cataracts. Lancet 2017;390(10094):600–612. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(17)30544-5
