Cataract Treatment in Krakow
Warsaw · Krakow · Vienna · Zurich
We cordially invite you to the newly opened Swisslaser laser vision correction clinic in Krakow. Currently, at the Swisslaser Krakow branch, we only perform examinations/qualifications for cataracts, while the procedure is carried out at our Warsaw facility. We treat cataracts, as well as myopia, hyperopia, presbyopia, astigmatism, keratoconus, and corneal scars.
- safety and precision.
- European standard of treatment;
- experienced medical staff;
Cataract Treatment in Krakow
Although we most often associate cataracts (Latin: cataracta) with advanced age, they can also appear in children.
Congenital cataracts appear at birth and can also develop in children during the first years of life. They result from metabolic aberrations (e.g., galactosemia) or chromosomal aberrations (e.g., Down syndrome), ocular developmental defects (aniridia, microphthalmia, retinopathy of prematurity, and others), hereditary conditions, intrauterine infections (e.g., when a pregnant woman contracts rubella, jaundice, toxoplasmosis, herpes, or even influenza).
Congenital cataracts can also be caused by fetal exposure to certain medications in the womb (e.g., corticosteroids or sulfonamides). They may not present any spectacular symptoms, but sometimes a white pupil (Latin: leucocoria) can be observed in the child.
Leukocoria, also known as cat’s eye or white pupillary reflex, can appear not only in the course of total congenital cataracts but also in other eye diseases, such as retinoblastoma, which is why its detection requires an absolute ophthalmological consultation. Other symptoms suggesting the presence of congenital cataracts include Franceschetti’s oculo-digital reflex, which is the tendency to frequently press the eye with a fist or fingers and to bring objects close to the eye – due to problems with sharp vision.
Congenital cataracts can manifest immediately after birth, or later during school age. They are treated exclusively surgically – the sooner, the better.
How to get to us
You can easily reach the Swisslaser clinic, located at ul. Kluczborska 15/U3, by public transport (Krowodrza Górka loop):
- Buses: 102, 120, 137, 138, 168, 194, 207, 217, 220, 227, 240, 247, 267, 287, 290, 297;
- Trams: 3, 18, 50.
Motorized patients can leave their vehicles in the designated free parking lot, located right next to the clinic.
Below is a map showing the location of our laser vision correction clinic in Krakow.
Chief Refractive Surgeon at Swisslaser Krakow
Warsaw · Krakow · Vienna · Zurich
Dr. med. univ. (Vienna), FEBO Victor Derhartunian
A dedicated physician, chief surgeon at Swisslaser in Warsaw and Krakow, with over 10 years of experience in performing refractive surgery procedures. He studied medicine at the University of Vienna and learned ophthalmology from pioneers of laser surgery: Prof. Dr. med. Thomas Kohnen (University Eye Clinic in Frankfurt) and Prof. Dr. med. and Dr. rer. nat. Theo Seiler (IROC Institute in Zurich), who performed the world’s first laser vision correction.
Patients particularly highlight Dr. Derhartunian’s professionalism and empathy, appreciating his individualized approach and the precision of the procedures performed.
Cataracts
Types of Cataracts
Modern cataract surgery techniques allow for a quick return to daily activities, but certain restrictions are necessary to ensure optimal healing:
Congenital Cataracts (cataracta congenita)
Congenital cataracts (cataracta congenita) can take the form of:
- membranous cataracts (cataracta membranacea)
- zonular, perinuclear cataracts (cataracta zonularis, perinuclearis) – this is the most common type of congenital cataract; visual impairment is only partial, and the opacity is less dense in the center
- nuclear cataracts (cataracta nuclearis) – the opacity is located in the center of the lens
- total cataracts (cataracta totalis) – causes secondary amblyopia, strabismus, and nystagmus
- anterior and posterior capsular cataracts (cataracta capsularis anterior et posterior)
- anterior or posterior polar cataracts (cataracta polaris anterior velet posterior)
Complicated Cataracts (Latin: cataracta complicata)
They appear as a complication of other chronic eye diseases (e.g., glaucoma, retinal detachment, retinitis pigmentosa, inflammatory conditions, high myopia) or systemic diseases (e.g., diabetes, hypoparathyroidism).
We also refer to drug-induced cataracts as complicated cataracts, which arise from the adverse effects of certain medications, such as steroids, used in conditions like asthma, Rheumatoid Arthritis, or Crohn’s Disease.
Acquired/Degenerative Cataracts (Latin: cataracta acquisita)
This term refers to the clouding of the eye’s lens that appears with age and is associated with the aging process and accompanying metabolic disorders – hence the popular term senile cataracts. Based on the degree of lens opacity, we divide acquired cataracts into incipient cataracts (cataracta incipiens) – when there is only peripheral lens opacity, and mature cataracts (cataracta matura) – when the lens clouding is complete. Between these two extreme stages are intermediate stages: advanced and immature cataracts. In turn, hypermature cataracts are a stage where the lens fibers gradually liquefy, causing the lens nucleus to shift downwards, which can subsequently lead to irreversible blindness.
Due to the location of the opacity in the lens, several types of senile cataracts are distinguished:
- nuclear cataracts – the opacity is located in the lens nucleus and leads to myopia.
- cortical cataracts – the opacity is located in the superficial layers of the lens; impaired visual acuity may be accompanied by double vision,
- posterior subcapsular cataracts – the opacity is located in the posterior lens capsule, develops slowly, but is often accompanied by light scattering and associated glare making certain activities difficult,
Symptoms of Acquired Cataracts
Senile cataracts appear around the age of 50 and may initially be unnoticeable to the patient – especially if they already have some vision defect. What should be a cause for concern?
- worsening of distance vision
- difficulty perceiving and distinguishing colors
- better vision on cloudy days
- seeing objects “as through a dirty window”
- deterioration of self-care due to vision impairment
To diagnose cataracts, a simple visual acuity test is not enough. The doctor must perform ophthalmoscopy, which is an examination of the fundus. This is a non-invasive examination using a special ophthalmic ophthalmoscope, which allows for a precise check of changes visible in the fundus. Biomicroscopy, an examination with a slit lamp, is equally important. The examination must be preceded by the administration of a pupil-dilating medication.
Treatment of Acquired Cataracts
In the initial stage of cataracts, medications in the form of drops can be administered, but their effect does not always bring the desired result. In fact, the only effective way to eliminate senile cataracts is surgical removal. Until recently, only mature cataracts were operated on; currently, ophthalmologists believe that cataract surgery is indicated even in the initial stage, if the visual impairment is significant enough to hinder daily functioning.
Cataract phacoemulsification – a method involving the removal of cataracts using an ultrasonic tip and the implantation of an artificial intraocular lens. The procedure is performed under topical anesthesia applied as a gel or drops into the conjunctival sac. A new, flexible, foldable, acrylic lens is inserted in place of the removed lens, which unfolds itself in the natural lens capsule and settles in the correct position in the eyeball. The incision is minimal (from 1.5 to 3 mm). We have many types of lenses that can also correct vision defects such as myopia, hyperopia, presbyopia, or astigmatism.
High-precision femtosecond laser surgery – a method involving making micro-incisions (so-called ports) in the cornea and removing the clouded lens through them, then inserting a new one. The procedure takes 10-15 minutes. lenses and assistance in making the best decision.
The decision of whether cataract surgery is performed on both eyes during one procedure, or whether some time should pass between the procedures on each eye, is left to the patient. All pros and cons should be discussed with the doctor.
Basic Information about Cataracts
Cataract surgeries using the Ziemer Z 8 femtosecond laser!
Recovery after Cataract Surgery
Cataract removal surgery is not complicated, and the most common complication – displacement of the newly implanted lens – is not a result of medical error, but rather the patient’s too rapid return to normal daily activity. Recommendations for the patient after cataract surgery are as follows:
- It is advisable to avoid sudden shocks, physical exertion, and deep bending for approximately 2-3 months after the procedure.
- Follow-up visits are necessary, as is the use of antibiotic-steroid drops (aimed, among other things, at reducing intraocular pressure) for a period of 3-4 weeks.
- It is important that the medication is instilled correctly: pull down the lower eyelid and look upwards. Application should be done while the patient is lying down – after completion, close the eyelids for about one minute.
- The surgical wound heals in about 6 weeks. During this time, one may feel the presence of a foreign body in the eye, but under no circumstances should the eye be rubbed or pressed.
It is estimated that complications after cataract surgery affect only 1-2% of cases. The most common include intraocular hemorrhage and bacterial endophthalmitis.
In Poland, approximately 3,000 cataract surgeries are performed per million inhabitants, and according to the WHO, untreated cataracts are one of the most significant causes of reversible vision loss.
The most important thing is to choose the method appropriate for your vision defect. During the initial consultation, we will propose the appropriate laser correction technique.
