Ophthalmologist named the safest method of cataract removal

Cataracts are one of the most common diseases in people over the age of 50, which, without treatment, can lead to complete loss of vision. Olga Miroshnichenko, an ophthalmologist of the highest category, told Izvestia on March 4 about the safest method of its removal.

According to the specialist, cataracts do not respond to conservative treatment. Drops and physiotherapy are not able to eliminate clouding of the lens, so the only effective way to restore vision remains surgery — removal of the affected lens followed by implantation of an artificial lens.

As the doctor noted, phacoemulsification with implantation of an intraocular lens is considered the gold standard in modern ophthalmology. The method is based on ultrasound destruction of a clouded lens through a micro-incision of less than 2.5 mm. The resulting emulsion is removed, after which a flexible artificial lens is installed through the same incision, which independently straightens and fixes inside the eye.

"Phacoemulsification has earned the title of the safest method due to a number of undeniable advantages. First of all, it is a minimal injury. The incision is so small that it does not require suturing — it seals itself, which virtually eliminates the risk of postoperative infections and tissue divergence," the doctor said.

According to Miroshnichenko, the operation is performed under local anesthesia, lasts an average of 15-20 minutes and does not require hospitalization. Within a few hours, the patient can go home, and vision restoration takes about two weeks.

"It is important to note that modern technologies make it possible not only to get rid of cataracts, but also to solve related vision problems. Intraocular lenses are individually selected: they can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and even astigmatism. Thus, the patient receives not only clean, but also the most comfortable eyesight after surgery," she noted.

Contraindications include acute inflammatory processes and severe uncompensated systemic diseases. Before the operation, a comprehensive diagnosis is performed: visual acuity check, intraocular pressure measurement, ultrasound examination and laboratory tests. In the postoperative period, the patient is advised to avoid physical exertion, do not rub his eyes and use prescribed drops, the ophthalmologist concluded.

On February 20, Elina Santoro, an ophthalmologist at the 3Z federal clinic network, said that the use of vapes can lead to the development of dry eye syndrome and dysfunction of the meibomian glands. According to the expert, the impact can be either intentional, related to the smoking process, or accidental. For example, if refueling liquid gets into your eyes or if there are incidents with the devices themselves.

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