Prof. Mimouni has extensive experience in cataract surgery of all types, including femtosecond laser assisted cataract surgery. In addition, the artificial lens implanted during surgery can be tailored to the patient’s needs, including premium lenses such as toric and/or multifocal intraocular lenses.
What is a cataract?
When we are born, the natural lens in our eye is clear. A cataract is a condition in which the lens loses its transparency. The most common cause of cataract formation is age, and this type is known as age-related cataract. In most cases, the cataract becomes significant after the age of 60.
What are the symptoms of a cataract?
The most common symptoms are blurred vision, glare, sensitivity to light, faded colors (everything looks slightly grayer), and a sudden improvement in near vision. In addition, frequent changes in your eyeglass prescription may indicate a developing cataract.
“What a joy, the colors are beautiful again after the surgery” Yael S. (Haifa)
The surgery
At present, surgery is the only effective treatment for cataract. Prof. Mimouni performs cataract surgery at Rambam Health Care Campus. For a pre-operative evaluation, please ask your ophthalmologist for a referral to the ophthalmology outpatient clinics at Rambam Health Care Campus. Below is a list of frequently asked questions about the surgery.
What happens during cataract surgery?
The lens is made up of several parts: the nucleus is the central part of the crystalline lens, which hardens over the course of life. Surrounding it is the cortex. The entire lens is enclosed in a thin capsule, which usually remains clear. The lens is supported within the eye by fine fibers called zonules, which are attached to the ciliary body. During modern cataract surgery, a small 2-3 mm incision is made at the edge of the cornea. A circular opening is then created in the anterior lens capsule. The lens material is then broken up using high-frequency ultrasound, a technique called phacoemulsification, and aspirated out of the eye. Apart from the central circular opening in the anterior portion of the lens capsule, the capsule remains intact within the eye. The capsule is then thoroughly cleaned and polished. An artificial lens is then folded, inserted through the small side incision, unfolded, and positioned within the capsule. The implanted lens is selected based on biometry measurements taken before surgery. The small incision seals itself and usually does not require sutures. The surgery typically takes about 15 minutes.
What do the artificial lenses implanted in the eye look like?
Intraocular lenses are usually made of acrylic material (a type of plastic) or silicone. The optical portion is typically 6 mm in diameter. In most cases there are 2 or 4 haptics (small arms) attached to the optical portion that stabilize the lens within the capsule.
Can everyone tolerate an artificial lens inside the eye?
Intraocular lenses can be implanted in almost anyone’s eye, and they are very well tolerated. Only in extremely rare cases is it not possible to implant a lens inside the eye.
Do I need to prepare for cataract surgery?
Cataract surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia. If, for special reasons, you require surgery under general anesthesia, you will need an evaluation by an anesthesiologist to confirm that you are fit for general anesthesia, possibly at a separate visit.
In most cases, you will arrive at the hospital a few hours before surgery on the day of the operation. You may eat your meals and take all of your regular medications as usual. About an hour before the actual surgery, you will receive eye drops to dilate the pupil and, if you wish, medication to help you relax. You will then be taken to the operating room.
Cataract surgery is performed under topical anesthesia (eye drops only) or local anesthesia (a small injection), which makes the procedure painless.
What is the care after cataract surgery?
The operated eye is covered with a protective shield. After surgery, it is advisable to rest a little, but you do not need to stay in bed. Immediately after surgery you can move around as usual. With very few exceptions, cataract surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, so you can leave the hospital about an hour after the operation.