Fellowship-Trained Cataract Surgeon in Cancun
Cataracts
A cataract is any clouding of the crystalline lens, the eye’s natural lens that allows us to focus sharp images on the retina.
Cataracts are the leading cause of reversible blindness worldwide. Today, they are treated with surgery, which offers a good visual outcome in most cases.
Image of an eye without a cataract.
Image of an eye with a cataract.
How Can Cataracts Be Prevented?
Although age is the main risk factor for cataracts, there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk and slow their progression:
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Wear sunglasses with UV protection.
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Treat any eye condition promptly and follow your ophthalmologist’s instructions.
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Avoid smoking.
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Maintain a balanced diet.
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Schedule a yearly visit with your ophthalmologist to detect any condition at an early stage and receive timely treatment.
Symptoms
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see your ophthalmologist:
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Blurred vision.
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Increased sensitivity to light and glare.
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Halos around lights.
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Difficulty seeing at night.
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Colors that appear increasingly faded.
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Frequent changes in your eyeglass prescription.
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Needing more light than usual for activities such as reading.
What Is the Surgery Like and How Long Does It Take?
Cataract surgery takes approximately 20 minutes, although this may vary from case to case. It involves removing the clouded lens and replacing it with an intraocular lens. There are different techniques to perform it, which fall into two groups:
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Phacoemulsification: the cataract is broken up using ultrasound and removed through an incision smaller than 3 mm. It allows for a faster recovery.
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Extracapsular / Manual Small-Incision Technique: an incision of approximately 6 mm is made, through which the entire cataract is removed without the need to break it up. It requires a longer recovery time.
After surgery, your ophthalmologist will explain in detail the care you need to follow. You will need to return the next day for a postoperative checkup.