Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is an effective way to eliminate cataracts. This procedure is performed by replacing the eye’s clouded lens so that the patient’s vision returns to normal.
Are you over 50-60 years old and noticing your vision becoming increasingly blurry? Or perhaps you have a parent or relative complaining of difficulty seeing clearly? This could be a symptom of cataracts.
Although this procedure may sound intimidating leading many to ask whether cataracts can be cured without surgery — it is actually a common medical step to restore blurry vision. Let’s explore further the types of cataract surgery and how they’re performed.
What Is Cataract Surgery?
Cataract surgery is a surgical procedure performed to remove the eye’s clouded lens and replace it with a clear artificial lens. Cataracts occur when the eye’s normally transparent lens becomes cloudy, blurring vision and causing visual impairment.
This is one of the most common and successful surgical procedures in the world, and is typically performed using a relatively fast and safe technique. This procedure aims to restore blurry vision and improve the patient’s quality of life.
The cost of cataract surgery varies depending on the hospital, surgical method, and type of lens used. In general, cataract surgery costs in Indonesia range from Rp5 million to Rp30 million per eye.
BPJS (national health insurance) can fully cover cataract surgery at partner hospitals, subject to certain conditions.
Benefits of Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures in the world. Beyond restoring visual clarity, there’s a range of deeper benefits to be gained from this procedure.
Here are the benefits of cataract surgery you can obtain:
1. Restoration of Clear Vision
This procedure helps restore vision that is blurry or impaired due to cataracts. By replacing the clouded lens with a clear artificial lens, patients can see more clearly and sharply.
2. Improved Quality of Life
Cataracts can disrupt daily activities such as reading, driving, or seeing distant objects. By eliminating cataracts through this procedure, patients can resume these activities without hindrance, improving overall quality of life.
3. Freedom from Glasses and Contact Lenses
For many people with cataracts, using glasses or contact lenses may no longer be effective in correcting vision. This procedure allows patients to reduce or even completely stop depending on vision aids such as glasses or contact lenses.
4. Prevention of Further Complications
Untreated cataracts can lead to serious complications such as glaucoma, inflammation, or permanent vision loss. By undergoing this procedure in a timely manner, the risk of these complications can be reduced or even avoided entirely.
5. Fast Recovery and a Safe Process
Cataract surgery patients can usually go home the same day as the procedure. The success rate of this procedure is very high, and the risk of serious complications is very low.
With continuously advancing technology and surgical techniques, post-operative recovery is also becoming faster and more comfortable.
Preparation Before the Cataract Surgery Procedure
Before undergoing the procedure, good preparation is essential to ensure a smooth and successful outcome. Here are some preparation steps typically recommended before undergoing this procedure:
1. Consultation with an Eye Doctor
Before undergoing surgery, it is important to consult with an ophthalmologist or eye surgeon. The doctor will conduct a thorough examination to evaluate your eye condition and determine whether cataract surgery is the right option for you.
Discuss your medical history, including any medical conditions you have and medications you are taking.
2. In-Depth Eye Examination
Before surgery, the ophthalmologist will conduct a series of in-depth eye exams to assess the condition of your eye’s lens and properly plan the surgical procedure. This may involve measuring corneal endothelial cells, measuring intraocular pressure, evaluating the type of cataract, and examining the retina.
3. Discussion of Intraocular Lens Options
During your consultation with the doctor, you will discuss the available intraocular lens options. This lens will be placed inside your eye to replace the clouded lens removed during surgery.
Discuss with your doctor which lens option best suits your vision needs and lifestyle. Some premium lenses can produce clear near and distance vision without the aid of glasses.
4. Physical and Mental Preparation
Before surgery, make sure you are in good physical and mental condition. Adequate rest and maintaining overall health are very important to ensure the surgical procedure goes smoothly.
Discuss any concerns or anxieties you have about the surgery with your doctor so that you feel more prepared and confident.
5. Stopping Certain Medications
Your doctor may tell you to stop taking certain medications before the procedure. Provide detailed information about any medications you take regularly.
Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully regarding which medications should be stopped and when.
6. Food and Drink
Your doctor may also give specific instructions regarding food and drink before surgery. This may include restrictions on eating or drinking the night before surgery, especially if you will be undergoing general anesthesia.
Stages of the Cataract Surgery Procedure
The cataract surgery procedure is a complex but routine medical process performed by trained eye surgeons. The duration of cataract surgery depends on the method used and the patient’s condition.
In general, this procedure takes about 15–30 minutes using the phacoemulsification technique, which is the most common and minimally invasive method. However, if there are certain conditions, such as a more severe cataract or other complications, the procedure time may be somewhat longer.
Here are the general stages of the cataract surgery process:
1. Pre-Surgery Preparation
Before entering the operating room, you will undergo a pre-operative process. This includes:
Anesthesia: Usually, your eye will be numbed with local anesthesia using eye drops or an injection around the eye so you don’t feel pain during the procedure. Some cases may require general anesthesia, especially if you have certain medical conditions or preferences.
Vital Sign Monitoring: Before surgery, medical staff will monitor blood pressure, heart rate, and blood oxygen levels to ensure you are in good condition to undergo surgery.
2. Corneal Opening
The eye surgeon will use micro-instruments to make a small incision in your cornea. This access allows the doctor to reach the clouded lens inside the eye.
3. Breaking Up and Removing the Cataract Lens
After gaining access to the clouded lens, the doctor will use an appropriate technique to break the cataract lens into small pieces that can be removed from the eye. This can be done using traditional methods with microsurgical instruments or advanced technology such as the phacoemulsification technique, in which ultrasonic waves are used to break up and suction out the lens.
4. Intraocular Lens Placement
After the cataract lens is removed, the doctor will insert an artificial intraocular lens into the lens capsule that remains inside the eye. This lens will replace the function of your natural lens that was removed.
This lens is typically made of plastic or a similar transparent material designed to correct your vision after surgery.
5. Closing the Incision and Completing the Surgery
After the intraocular lens is properly placed, the access point on your cornea will be carefully closed using micro-sutures or a sutureless technique, depending on the doctor’s preference and the surgical technique used. Once the closure process is complete, the procedure is finished.
6. Post-Surgery
What happens after cataract surgery? After surgery, you will be moved to a recovery room where you will be monitored to ensure there are no post-operative complications.
The doctor will provide instructions on post-operative care, including administering antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops, as well as scheduling follow-up visits for further evaluation.
So, how long is recovery after cataract surgery? Recovery after cataract surgery usually takes about 4–6 weeks.
What to Pay Attention to After Cataract Surgery
After the procedure, patients will usually notice changes in their vision that may occur within a few days or weeks after the procedure. Some patients report a clearer, brighter visual experience.
Others may need more time to fully recover. Post-cataract-surgery care includes:
- Using eye drops and medications as directed by the doctor.
- Limiting strenuous physical activity for a while.
- Protecting the eye from injury by avoiding friction or excessive pressure.
- Avoiding smoking and exposure to smoke, which can interfere with the healing process.
- Using sunglasses to protect the eye from direct sunlight.
- Attending regular post-operative check-ups with the eye doctor as scheduled.
- Contacting the doctor immediately if there are symptoms such as pain, redness, or unusual blurry vision.
- Many people ask how long the eye should avoid water after cataract surgery. Generally, about 1 to 2 weeks, to prevent infection and speed up healing.
Side Effects of Cataract Surgery to Watch For
Like any other surgery, this procedure also has various side effects that rarely occur. Here are the side effects of cataract surgery:
- Eye pain or discomfort
- Temporary blurry or hazy vision
- Sensation of a foreign object in the eye
- Secondary eye conditions or complications
- Complications of Cataract Surgery
- There are several complications of cataract surgery to be aware of, such as:
- Eye infection
- Corneal edema
- Retinal detachment
- Endophthalmitis
- Secondary glaucoma
- Intraocular lens dislocation
- Irregular cornea
Consultation for Cataract Surgery
That’s the general information about cataract surgery. Signs of failed cataract surgery may include vision that remains blurry or even worsens after the procedure, persistent eye pain, inflammation or infection, abnormal eye pressure, and dislocation of the artificial lens.
If you experience these symptoms, consult a doctor immediately for further evaluation. Are you interested in undergoing this surgery? Cataract surgery can free you from cataracts and from glasses!
Ciputra SMG Eye Clinic offers cataract surgery using phacoemulsification technology, which is minimally invasive, safer, and speeds up recovery. Patients can also choose from a variety of intraocular lenses (IOLs), such as monofocal, multifocal, toric, and EDOF, according to their vision needs.
The procedure is handled by experienced ophthalmologists. The clinic also accepts patients from certain partner insurance providers to facilitate access to care.
FAQ
How Long Is Recovery After Cataract Surgery?
Recovery time after cataract surgery is usually 1–4 weeks, depending on the patient’s eye condition. Most patients already experience clearer vision within a few days after cataract surgery.
What Are the Side Effects of Cataract Surgery?
Side effects of cataract surgery are generally mild, such as dry eyes, glare, blurry vision, and discomfort. These conditions are usually temporary and improve during the cataract surgery recovery period.
How Much Does Cataract Surgery Cost Per Eye?
The cost of cataract surgery at Ciputra SMG Eye Clinic ranges from Rp18 million to Rp39 million per eye, depending on the type of intraocular lens (IOL) used, such as monofocal, toric, or multifocal. A doctor’s consultation is needed to determine the best option.
Is Cataract Surgery a Major or Minor Operation?
Cataract surgery is considered minor surgery because it uses modern technology with minimal incisions, a fast process, and generally does not require hospitalization.
What Are the Restrictions After Cataract Surgery?
After cataract surgery, patients are advised to avoid several things, such as:
- Rubbing or pressing on the eye after surgery
- Exposure to dust, dirty water, or smoke
- Strenuous activity and intense exercise
- Wearing eye makeup for a while
Following the doctor’s recommendations is very important to speed up recovery after cataract surgery.
