Cataract English

#(enchant:?page,(text-colour:black)+(bg:white))Welcome Here you'll find explanation to most issues involving the cataract surgery. First, an intraocular lens will be suggested to you, depending on the answers to a few questions. Then the whole appointment and surgery procedure will be detailed. Which section would you like to visit? [[The cataract and lenses|La cataracta]] [[ Appointment at the clinic|La visita]] [[The surgery|La cirurgia]]

#The cataract and the lens (enchant:?page,(text-colour:black)+(bg:white)) The cataract is the result of the aging of a lens. This crystal-clear lens we all have, allows us to focus in diffent distances. As the years go by, this lens loses is transparency and becomes slightly opaque. Eventually, it turns brownish and more opaque. This last step is known as the onset of the cataract. For more information, you may visit <a href="https://www.agimenez.info/en/eye-cataract-lens-surgery/">this article</a>, publised at the blog. Both cataract and clear lens surgery are among the most performed surgeries around the world. Every surgery involves the implantation of an intraocular lens. A new artificial lens that will acompany the patient till its death bed. The first chapter of this exercise involves the lens. [[Continue|El pacient]]

#Let's start(enchant:?page,(text-colour:black)+(bg:white)) Different traits of the patient help us in selecting the lens. ¿Are you short-sighted or myop, between -2 and -5 diopters? Remember: myopia (also known as short-sightedness) causes blurred vision of objects in the distance, but grants very good reading acuity. [[Yes|Miops]] [[No|No sóc miop]] [[Only on one eye|Només d'un ull]]

#Myopic patients (enchant:?page,(text-colour:black)+(bg:white)) Myopic patients are short-sighted and have extremely good reading sight... and we are used to it (yes, I'm myopic too). In your case, have you already been diagnosed of [[cataracts|Cataracta]] or are you interested in [[getting rid of your glasses|Cristal·lí transparent not]]? (set: $miop to true)

#Monovision!! (enchant:?page,(text-colour:black)+(bg:white)) If you have a myopic eye, you may read properly without glasses. If you have a proper visual acuity for far away, you have an usual situation, called monovision. If your brain is used to it, be suggest you to keep it as is. In case you need surgery due to a cataract, we suggest you to aim for that monovision on purpose with a [[Monofocal lens|Lent monofocal]]. (set: $monovisio to true)

#Not myopic (enchant:?page,(text-colour:black)+(bg:white)) Certain jobs or hobbies are very eye-demanding: photographers, painters, arquitects... Sometimes, some people are more demanding and perfectionists than others. Would you consider yourself a highly demaning patient? [[Yes, indeed, a little bit|Exigents]] [[Not, not at all|No exigents]] (set: $miop to false)

#Cataract (enchant:?page,(text-colour:black)+(bg:white)) Even though you have already stated that you have a cataract, what would you consider your priority? [[Removing the cataract|Treure la cataracta]] [[Getting rid of the glasses|Treure les ulleres]] (set: $cataracta to true)

#Clear lens (enchant:?page,(text-colour:black)+(bg:white)) With a monofocal lens, you would have very good visual acuity for far away, but would need reading glasses. The more you gain from one distance, the more you lose from the other. Therefore, we suggest multifocal lenses. Suggested options: [[Multifocal lenses|Lents multifocals]] Advised against: [[Monofocal lenses|Lent monofocal]] (set: $cataracta to false)

#Top-notch visual quality (enchant:?page,(text-colour:black)+(bg:white)) If you don't mind wearing glasses, we suggest monofocal lenses as they grant the best visual quality. You'll need reading glasses and may need them too for the computer. Suggested option: [[Monofocal lenses|Lent monofocal]] Also consider: [[Multifocal lenses|Lents multifocals]]

#Bye, bye, glasses!! (enchant:?page,(text-colour:black)+(bg:white)) If your priority is getting rid of the glasses, we recomend multifocal lenses (trifocal or EDOF). (if:$miop is true)[However, you may not be completely satisfied with reading distance quality. Since you were shortsighted, your reading ability has been greater than average for your entire life.] Both lenses have their limitations and contraindications. You'll find more information in the "Appointment" section. Suggested lenses: [[Multifocal lenses|Lents multifocals]] Advised against: [[Monofocal lenses|Lent monofocal]]

#The monofocal lens (enchant:?page,(text-colour:black)+(bg:white)) THE BEST image quality, withough halos. Surgeries can be performed sepataredly, without need to rush inbetween. (if:$miop is true)[You'll need more reading glasses. Up until now, your short-sightedness compensated for it... but after the surgery you'll definitely need reading glasses.] (if:$cataracta is true)[This is the suggested option.] (if:$exigent is true)[You'll need reading glasses, but you'll have the best image quality, color perception and contrast sensitivity.] (if:$miop is false)[With this lens you won't need glasses for distant objects but you'll need reading glasses.] (if:$monovisio is true)[With this option, you'll keep your natural focusing, one eye for reading, one for far away. Therefore, you'll have the best image quality in both distances. Beware of depth perception, it can be tricky. However, if your brain is already used to it, you'll be very satisfied with the results.] Once the lens has been chosen, you should ask for an appointment with the eye doctor. In the next chapter, we'll explain you [[what to expect|La visita]].

#EDOF lenses (enchant:?page,(text-colour:black)+(bg:white)) With Extended Depth of Field lenses (EDOF) you won't need glasses for your computer or reading texts with big letters. Image quality is not extremely crisp as with monofocal lenses, but you'll still get a 100% visual acuity. Most patients do not notice this slight "imperfection" in image quality. Only professionals with certain high-demanding jobs may spot the differences: photographers, painters, architects... (if:$miop is true +$cataracta is true)[Image quality for reading distances is extremely limited when compared to a myopic eye. You'll only be able to read the biggest letters, that's all.] (if:$exigent is true)[Reading quality is very limited. You'll only be able to read the biggest letters, that's all. Do not expect to get rid of reading glasses on a daily basis... and you can find some slight alteration in color contrast sensitivity. These lenstes are not generally suggested for patients with a demanding profile.] (if:$miop is true)[(if: $cataracta is false)[Image quality for reading distances is extremely limited when compared to a myopic eye. You'll only be able to read the biggest letters, that's all.]] In order to ease the adaptation, both eyes must have the surgery done. When comparing with trifocal lenses, EDOF lenses have a very low rate of halos. Once the lens has been chosen, you should ask for an appointment with the eye doctor. In the next chapter, we'll explain you [[what to expect|La visita]].

#Trifocal lenses (enchant:?page,(text-colour:black)+(bg:white)) Finally forget about all your glasses!! Though image quality is not extremely crisp as with monofocal lenses, you'll still get a 100% visual acuity. Most patients do not notice this slight "imperfection" in image quality. Only professionals with certain high-demanding jobs may spot the differences; photographers, painters, architects... (if:$miop is true)[Even though you'll be able to read with this lens, you will NOT have the same definition you had as a young myopic patient.] (if:$exigent is true)[Even though you'll be able to read with this lens, you will NOT have extremely crisp image quality.] (else:)[An extremely good choice, get rid of your glasses for now and ever!!] During the first weeks you may see some halos around lights at night. In order to ease the adaptation, both eyes must have the surgery. We suggest you visit our <a href="https://www.agimenez.info/en/trifocal-lenses-simulator/"> trifocal lens simulator</a> for a better understanding of the night halos. Once the lens has been chosen, you should ask for an appointment with the eye doctor. In the next chapter, we'll explain you [[what to expect|La visita]].

#Multifocal lenses (enchant:?page,(text-colour:black)+(bg:white)) Both Extended Depth of Field (EDOF) and trifocal lenses have their pros and cons. What would you rather? Night vision without halos, good intermediate and distance vision, but limited reading range: [[EDOF lenses|Lent EDOF]] Night vision with halos, but good vision in both intermediate and reading distances: [[Trifocal lenses|Lent trifocal]] Some special cases may advise against using these lenses. Take a look at the [[warnings section|Contraindicacions]]. For more information on halos, visit our <a href="https://www.agimenez.info/en/trifocal-lenses-simulator/">trifocal lenses simulator</a>.

#So, what do you have? (enchant:?page,(text-colour:black)+(bg:white)) Both the cataract and the removal of glasses follow the same path, it's only a matter of lenses. [[Indeed, I have a cataract|Cataracta]] [[No, I do not have a cataract yet|Cristal·lí transparent not]] (set: $exigent to true)

#So, what do you have? (enchant:?page,(text-colour:black)+(bg:white)) Now that we've stated that you are not myop or demanding, have you already been diagnosed with cataracts? [[Yes, indeed, I have a cataract|Cataracta]] [[No, I'm just tired of wearing glasses|Cristal·lí transparent]] (set: $exigent to false)

#The appointment (enchant:?page,(text-colour:black)+(bg:white)) An appointment will be scheduled for you to go to visit the eye doctor. We'll check your vision, widen your pupil and test the eye. Contraindications against the surgery or the different types of lenses must be discarded in this phase. [[Tests|Proves complementàries]] [[Warnings for multifocal lenses|Contraindicacions]] By the end of the appointment, you should already have discussed which type of surgery you'll receive and which lens is going to be inserted. Afterwards, you'll have to patiently wait for the day of [[the surgery|La cirurgia]] to come.

#The big day (enchant:?page,(text-colour:black)+(bg:white)) Let's check what will happen during these long hours that carry such anxiety. Generally speaking, the cataract procedure is an outpatient surgery (you don't have to spend a night at the clinic), the surgery takes around 15 minutes but you have to spend at the very least an hour at the preparation/recovery room. Step by step: 1. [[At home|A casa]] 2. [[At the clinic|L'arribada a la clínica]] 3. [[During the surgery|Durant la cirurgia]] 4. [[Back home|La tornada a casa]] 5. [[Recovering|La recuperació]]

#The final result (enchant:?page,(text-colour:black)+(bg:white)) The final appointment is scheduled a month after the surgery. Here we'll see what is your final visual acuity and if you need or not glasses. A satisfactory result depends on everything we checked up until now. It is only this way that we can sustain these extremely high stafistaction rates.

#Tests (enchant:?page,(text-colour:black)+(bg:white)) Many tests will be performed: -Graduation and current glass prescription -Biometry -Corneal topography -Optic coherence tomography (OCT) -Wide angle retinography -Endotelial-cell counting -Examination by the eye-doctor These tests must be perfomed in order to check the real eye condition, identify concurrent diseases, guess the intraocular lens power...

#Multifocality is not always the way to go (enchant:?page,(text-colour:black)+(bg:white)) Multifocal lenses (both trifocal and EDOF) give bad results when inserted in patients with the following conditions: -Squint eyes (strabismus) -Macular degenerations -Irregular corneal astigmatism -Connective tissue alterations syndrome (for example, Marfan syndrome) -Traumatic cataracts -Ambliopya (also known as lazy eye) -Some other minor conditions Therefore, a throrough examination is required in order to suggest or advise against a multifocal lens.

#Before leaving home (enchant:?page,(text-colour:black)+(bg:white)) We suggest: -Fasting. Do not eat 6 hours prior to the surgery. -Take your usual pills with the least water. -Appropiate body hygiene. -Do not come by yourself, get someone to come with you: wife, husband, son, daughter, friend... Let's go, what will happen [[at the clinic|L'arribada a la clínica]]?

#At the clinic (enchant:?page,(text-colour:black)+(bg:white)) A nurse will guide you or perform the following steps: -change your clothes -go to the preparation room -insert a vein catheter -apply pupil widening drops -check vitals (heart rate, pressure...) And you'll be carried to the surgery room, where [[the surgery|Durant la cirurgia]] takes place.

#During the surgery (enchant:?page,(text-colour:black)+(bg:white)) Once at the surgery room, you'll be laid in a surgical bed. The eye doctor will then explain you the rules and proper behaviour during the surgery. Standard cataract surgery can be performed under several grades of anesthesia: If you choose to stay away, it's called [[topical anesthesia|Pacient despert]]. If you choose to stay asleep, it's called [[sedation|Pacient sedat]]. In any case, heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen... will be checked periodically during the surgery.

#Back home (enchant:?page,(text-colour:black)+(bg:white)) The day after the surgery, you can already remove the eye patch when you wake up and start applying the drops. We suggest you to avoid physical exercise during the first couple of days. An appointment will be scheduled in the following days and a month after the surgery. It is then, a month later when we obtain the [[final results|Els resultats visuals]].

#Recovery time (enchant:?page,(text-colour:black)+(bg:white)) Eye will be patched when leaving the surgery room and you'll be guided back to the preparation room. There you'll rest for a while, depending if you had topical anesthesia or sedation. Later on, the doctor will call you for a further explanation on the treatment and what you can or can not do the next days. The vein catheter will be removed, clothes changed and sent [[back home|La tornada a casa]].

#Enjoy the fireworks!! (enchant:?page,(text-colour:black)+(bg:white)) Most often than not, patients are awake during the surgery. Eventually, you may feel some pressure or itchiness in the eye. It's normal. The eye doctor will probably warn you right before it happens, so that you don't get surprised. Most patients explain the vision of colour lights while getting the surgery done. It's now time to relax and let the surgeon do his job. 10-15 minuts, the surgery is over and you'll be carried to the [[recovery room|La recuperació]].

#Let's take a nap (enchant:?page,(text-colour:black)+(bg:white)) The anesthesiologist will put some vein medication. Slowly you'll lose some consciousness and feel extremely relaxed. You may even fall completely asleep!! ... after a while, the surgery is over, and you'll be carried to the [[recovery room|La recuperació]].

#Not really a good option (enchant:?page,(text-colour:black)+(bg:white)) We strongly suggest you not to explore this option if you are a myopic patient (-2 to -5 dp) or have extremely high expectations for the surgery. You won't be satisfied with image quality and may have issues with reading distance vision. If you are still interested, please head to the [[multifocal lenses|Lents multifocals]] section.

#Clear lens (enchant:?page,(text-colour:black)+(bg:white)) (if:$miop is true)[Unfortunatelly, there are high chances that you wouldn't be satisfied with the result. With a monofocal lens, you would have very good visual acuity for far away, but would need reading glasses. The more you gain from one distance, the more you lose from the other. Possible options: [[Monofocal lenses|Lent monofocal]] Advised against: [[Multifocal lenses|Lents multifocals no]] ] (else:)[Unfortunatelly, there are high chances that you wouldn't be satisfied with the result. The image quality of multifocal lenses may not be as good as yours (without cataract yet). Possible options: [[Monofocal lenses|Lent monofocal]] Advised against: [[Multifocal lenses|Lents multifocals no]] ] (set: $cataracta to false)