Is it possible to change an artificial lens? How to change the lens of the eye with a laser: the course and duration of the operation? What is a lens and when does it need to be replaced?

An artificial eye lens or intraocular lens is an implant that is placed in place of a previously removed natural lens if the latter has lost its functions.

Unlike glasses and lenses, IOLs can correct significant deviations in vision, including myopia, farsightedness, and a high degree of astigmatism. Placed in the eye, an artificial lens performs all the tasks of a natural lens, which allows it to fully provide the required vision characteristics.

In what cases is it necessary to replace the eye lens with an artificial one?

The main indication for replacing a natural lens with an artificial one is clouding of this area. The natural eye lens loses its transparency, which is why visual acuity decreases, leading to blindness. This process is called cataract.

Another manifestation of visual impairment is.

Pathology develops under the influence of a number of factors:

• In old age;
• For diabetes mellitus;
• With radiation exposure;
• After an eye injury;
• As a hereditary pathology.

The video shows an artificial eye lens:

At first, the disease causes only blurred images. It becomes hazy and divided. The perception of color begins to be disrupted, and photophobia appears. When these symptoms appear, the doctor decides whether it is necessary to remove the natural lens and replace it with an IOL. Drug treatment in such cases does not help, but it can slow down the development of pathology. All that remains is an operation to replace this element of the organ of vision.

There is no point in waiting until complete blindness, otherwise the operation will no longer help and the person will irreversibly lose his sight.

Based on the above, we can conclude that this implant is used only for serious conditions that threaten vision loss. Accordingly, an intraocular lens is used in the treatment of:

• Cataracts;
• Myopia;
• Farsightedness;

It will be useful to find out how early age-related cataracts are treated according to.

The last three points are decisive in making a decision to perform surgical procedures only when there is a high degree of damage.

What does an artificial eye lens look like, service life

An artificial lens includes two elements:

• Optic;
• Support.

Support artificial lens of the eye

The optical part is a lens made of transparent flexible material that is compatible with the tissues of the eyeball. There is a special diffraction zone located on the surface of the optical section of the IOL, which allows you to obtain a clear image.

Impaired vision clarity may occur if diagnosed.

The supporting element helps to securely fix the implant in the capsule where the natural human lens was located. During the operation, the flexibility of the material plays an important role. This allows, through a micro-incision with a diameter of no more than 1.8 mm, to insert an instrument with a compressed lens into the capsule area and place it there.

It quickly straightens and independently secures itself in the place of manipulation. The product does not have an expiration date and its operation is designed for many years if all surgical procedures are carried out correctly and a specific implant with optical characteristics appropriate for the specific case is selected.

Find out what rehabilitation should be like after cataract surgery.

Kinds

There are several types of IOLs, which have their own advantages and disadvantages.

In general, in the modern market of ophthalmic surgery and implantation, the following stand out:

Monofocal lens

• Monofocal lens;
• Multifocal lens;
• Accommodating monofocal lens;
• Aspheric IOL;
• Spherical IOL;
• Toric IOL.

The monofocal element is used most often in cataract surgery. It provides excellent distance vision function in different light levels. But near vision may require minor additional correction with glasses (when reading, watching TV, and so on). If the patient is ready to use glasses to correct vision function after IOL implantation, this option is considered the most optimal.

Find out what to do if a black dot appears in the eye.

Often, after vision correction with an IOL, many people complain about the need for additional correction. With certain implants, this factor is inevitable and cannot be avoided.

Monofocal IOL

The accommodating monofocal lens allows for excellent vision both at distance and near. This IOL can change its position in the eye so that the object is focused on the retina at any degree of distance of the object. That is, this lens is capable of simulating the normal accommodation of a young lens.

American manufacturer

The only representative of this type of IOL is the CRISTALENS IOL lens from an American manufacturer. This element has not yet been tested in Russia. All patients who have had such a lens inserted do not need additional correction with glasses when reading. This option is considered the most successful for those people who sit at the computer or read a lot.

Multifocal lenses

The multifocal lens is the latest word in cataract surgery. This type of product makes it possible to achieve ideal vision at any distance without the use of additional accessories - glasses or contact lenses.

This particular implant has all the necessary optical characteristics, which are distinguished by ultra-precision, projecting images to various points simultaneously. Only multifocal glasses can compare in their performance. In the West, three types of such products are used. If the ophthalmologist is experienced, then after appropriate research he can easily select the required type of product.

The choice of lens should be made with your doctor. In this case, you should give preference to high-quality lenses, because their service life is unlimited, and therefore they should last until the end of their lives.

Spherical lens

What does it look like? The spherical lens improves distance vision. It will also provide excellent central vision. The downside of this implant is the presence of some discomfort after surgery. Vision may be distorted at first, but this effect goes away over time.

Aspherical

An aspherical lens is used when vision function deteriorates due to natural aging processes. It usually manifests itself as a gradual decrease in visual acuity, as well as deterioration of near vision. Not long ago, these lenses were developed with a special structure that allows them to perform all the necessary functions of a young natural lens. This increases not only visual acuity, but also contrast sensitivity. To put it simply, the patient begins to see as in his youth. These lenses have not been tested in Russia, but are used successfully abroad.

Toric for astigmatism and cataracts

Toric IOLs are typically used in patients with high degrees of astigmatism (starting at 1.5 D). Compared with aspherical ones, toric ones are capable of correcting not only postoperative astigmatism, but also corneal astigmatism. Corneal or physiological astigmatism develops with age. In such cases, it is not possible to choose the right glasses. Thanks to the presence of a complex surface, an artificial lens of this type helps to correct the curvature of the cornea, eliminating both astigmatism and cataracts in one operation.

The video shows how to choose the right lens:

Is it possible to repeat the replacement operation?

Most doctors do not replace the lens again, since incorrect vision some time after surgery is most often caused not by the quality of the implant, but by the presence of problems in other parts of the eye or other defects. This condition can be corrected either with glasses or with laser correction. The cause can only be identified during a full examination.

You can learn about glasses for strabismus in adults and how to use them correctly.

The lens can be replaced according to indications if the original one is not suitable for one reason or another. In other cases, doctors try to correct vision using more gentle methods.

Manufacturers and prices

Many companies produce artificial lenses for the eyes. The best are foreign companies headquartered in the United States. Also, German IOLs are not inferior in quality. Here are the main representatives of these implants:

Cost varies depending on the type and characteristics of the item. Your doctor will help you choose the best option. As can be seen from the table, Alcon lenses, which are produced in the USA, have the largest price range. They are considered one of the highest quality. Treatment may be needed.

Lens replacement is a microsurgical procedure in which an artificial acrylic or silicone lens is implanted into the eye after the natural lens is removed. These devices are called intraocular lenses or IOLs. After implantation, a person does not feel them, and the prostheses do not require additional care or replacement after a certain period of time. Replacing the lens is the only way to get rid of cataracts and associated blurred vision. There are other indications for such an operation - for example, correction of refractive errors.

Indications for surgery

There are the following indications for surgical treatment:

This operation is more complex and carries more risks compared to laser correction of refractive errors. Therefore, each case is assessed individually, the decision about surgery is made jointly by the doctor and the patient.

Contraindications

There are clinical situations in which lens replacement is contraindicated. Let's look at the main ones:

Inflammatory processes of the eyeball in the acute or subacute phase. The decision about the potential possibility of intervention is made only after the acute inflammatory process has subsided.

Retinal pathology, including detachment, tears, macular edema. These conditions are threatening and require urgent treatment. Planned surgical interventions, which include lens replacement, are not carried out in this situation.

The small size of the anterior chamber of the eye or eyeball, which seriously complicates the technical execution of the operation.

Concomitant general somatic diseases, including recent myocardial infarction or stroke.

This operation is planned, and therefore should be carried out against the background of compensation for somatic and concomitant ophthalmological pathologies.

Choosing a prosthesis

There are many types of artificial lenses on the market today. The total cost of the operation directly depends on the material, properties and manufacturer of the lens. Depending on the model, intraocular lenses are divided into:

Hard – used previously. Less practical - their implantation requires a large incision, requiring suturing and long recovery.

Soft - implanted through a self-sealing puncture of the cornea several millimeters long. This is achieved due to the fact that the lens is introduced into the eye rolled up, and then straightened out and fixed.

Depending on the number of foci and the ability to accommodate, the following artificial lenses exist:

Monofocal lenses provide good vision at only one focal length (near, far or intermediate distance). The advantage of such a device is its low price and, as a result, accessibility to a wide range of the population. Disadvantages include the need to use glasses or contact lenses for adequate vision at any distance.

Multifocal lenses are an excellent option for correcting presbyopia. Such IOLs are classified as premium class in terms of functionality and price. They have magnifying power in certain areas, allowing you to clearly see objects at any distance without glasses or contact lenses.

Accommodating IOLs. This type of lens, thanks to the combination of an aspherical shape and soft “hooks” - legs that support the position of the lens in the eye, provides good vision at various distances. “Hooks” allow the lens to slowly move forward when it is necessary to view an object up close, and when moving the gaze to distant objects, the intraocular lens moves posteriorly.

Toric IOLs are suitable for the correction of astigmatism in combination with farsightedness or myopia. This happens due to different refractive powers on different meridians of the artificial lens. These IOLs also have special markings on the periphery that allow the surgeon to optimally position the lens during implantation.

Company manufacturer

When choosing a suitable prosthesis, the patient is often faced not only with many varieties, but also with variations in countries and manufacturing companies. Let's look at the most common ones:

Domestic lenses. You can get such an IOL for free, provided that the operation is carried out under a quota (compulsory medical insurance policy). Russian artificial lenses are monofocal IOLs. Currently, the development and implementation of multifocal implants is underway.

American lenses. These prostheses are among the most popular and reliable in the world. The most famous manufacturers are ALCON and CRYSTALENS, which produce a full line of artificial lenses. Such lenses are reliable, but they are distinguished by their high cost, which in some cases limits their use.

German lenses. The following companies are represented on the Russian market: Human Optics, Carl Zeiss. These manufacturers produce high-quality prostheses, including aspherical and toric ones. They are used to correct complex astigmatism and other refractive errors.

Lens replacement surgery can be performed either on an outpatient basis or after preliminary hospitalization in a hospital. During preoperative preparation, a comprehensive examination of the organ of vision is performed, ophthalmoscopy is performed, and the fundus is examined. If necessary, ultrasound or optical coherence tomography is performed. This is necessary to identify diseases that affect visual acuity and potentially determine the outcome of the operation. In the preparation process, general clinical blood tests, electrocardiography, and radiography are performed.

30-40 minutes before the operation, a medicine is instilled into the eye to dilate the pupil. Local anesthesia is used in the form of anesthetic eye drops. Additionally, intravenous sedation is performed. If indicated, regional or general anesthesia is possible.

The patient is positioned lying on the operating table. The surgeon excises the anterior capsule of the lens through a puncture of the cornea, thus gaining access to the substance of the lens. Then a special titanium needle connected to an ultrasound source is inserted into the eye. Using ultrasound, the lens is crushed and phacoemulsification is performed. The crushed residues are removed from the eye cavity using an aspirator.

The next stage of the operation is implantation of an artificial lens. Modern intraocular lenses are soft and foldable, eliminating the need for large diameter incisions. After inserting the implant into the eye cavity, it is automatically fixed in the same place where the patient’s lens was previously located. No stitches are required. The eye is covered with a sterile bandage, which can be removed the next day. The entire operation takes 15-20 minutes.

Recovery period

During recovery after lens replacement surgery, the patient must carefully follow all medical recommendations. On the first postoperative day, rest and bed rest are necessary.

The operated eye is covered with a special protective bandage. In the following days, it is advisable to adhere to the following tips:

Regularly apply eye drops to the operated eye according to medical recommendations.

Avoid excessive sun exposure and use protective glasses in sunny weather.

Avoid heavy lifting and intense physical activity.

Do not rub or scratch your eyes.

During hygiene procedures and while washing your hair, make sure that detergents do not get into your eyes.

For 2-3 weeks, stop applying creams and decorative cosmetics to your eyelids.

Limit reading, watching TV, working on the computer and other activities that require visual strain.

Temporarily avoid visiting the bathhouse or sauna.

Driving can only be resumed with the permission of the attending physician.

Vision change

The early postoperative period is accompanied by blurred vision and moderate pain. This is absolutely normal, there is no need to be alarmed. Subsequently, there is a smooth recovery of visual acuity. At first, double vision, flickering of spots, and color vision disturbances are acceptable.

As restoration progresses, the contours of objects become clearer, all artifacts disappear, and color perception and contrast improve. The duration of the recovery period varies from person to person. It is important to visit a doctor in a timely manner during this period for early diagnosis of complications and monitoring of the rehabilitation process.

Possible complications

Lens replacement surgery is one of the safest in the world. Tens of thousands of such interventions are carried out every year. There are still risks of complications.

Below we consider the most common variants of an undesirable scenario:

Infectious inflammatory processes of the eyeball.

Changes in the retina – detachment, macular edema.

Increased intraocular pressure. Diagnosis requires periodic measurement of intraocular pressure and the use of eye drops that relieve hypertension.

Dislocation of the intraocular lens

Formation of secondary cataracts, which can be removed with a laser.

All complications, if detected early, can be treated well. Therefore, if alarming symptoms occur, pain increases, or flashes of light appear, it is important not to postpone a visit to the doctor.

Procedure for receiving free medical care

This operation can be performed free of charge, under the compulsory medical insurance policy. There are quotas for such interventions in government agencies. The patient, if indicated, must wait in line. Refractive lens replacement is a cosmetic operation and is therefore performed only on a paid basis.

Implantation of a domestic lens is carried out free of charge. Imported analogues are paid for independently.

Cost of the operation

In any private ophthalmology clinic, lens replacement can be performed on a commercial basis. The cost of the operation is influenced by the reputation of the clinic, its technical equipment and the specialists working there. The cost of an operation to replace a lens varies on average from 40 to 100 thousand rubles. The choice of implant model significantly influences pricing. Often, the actual cost of an artificial lens exceeds the cost of the operation by 1.5-2 times. Thus, the cost of a premium class intraocular lens is 45-85 thousand rubles, depending on the model and manufacturer.

Any surgical intervention causes understandable fear and apprehension in the patient. Especially when it comes to such a delicate technique as replacing the lens of the eye.

After all, not only the quality of vision, but also the overall quality of life will depend on the outcome of the operation. Patients are primarily concerned with how the operation proceeds, what to do after the procedure, and how quickly vision is restored. This article contains the most comprehensive information that will be useful to everyone who is about to have an implant installed.

Why does a natural lens sometimes need to be replaced?

The lens is an element of the eyeball, shaped like a biconvex lens of high refractive power. It refracts light rays of different directions and sends them to the retina, where a clear focus of the image is created.

Depending on how close or far away the object being viewed is, the elastic lens changes its curvature. It refracts rays differently for good distance and near vision. Transparency is a key property of the lens, which allows rays to pass through and hit the retina.

REFERENCE: A natural lens is devoid of nerve endings, blood and lymphatic vessels. Nature itself made sure that no biological inclusions created obstacles to the penetration of light.

As a result of pathological processes, the lens becomes cloudy, its level of transparency changes, and the rays can no longer easily enter the internal media of the eye. If the lens completely loses its transparency, the person becomes blind in the corresponding eye.

Implantation surgery helps to radically change the situation. This is an artificial lens made from biocompatible tissues and serves as a replacement for a clouded lens. Internal environments become transparent again, and a person gets rid of the risks of remaining blind.

Indications for implantation

The main indication for replacing a lens with an implant is cataracts.. This is a degenerative disease caused by a violation of the biochemical composition of the lens with subsequent opacification.

In addition, the operation is indicated for:

• aphakia – congenital or post-traumatic absence of the lens;
• subluxation or displacement of the lens;
• severe refractive errors – , presbyopia, .

For astigmatism and high degrees of refractive error, the lens is replaced even when it remains transparent. The installed intraocular lens will compensate for anomalies of the refractive system and significantly improve visual acuity. If you cannot tolerate glasses, surgery to install an IOL may also be a reasonable solution.

Contraindications

Temporary contraindications to intervention are infectious and inflammatory diseases affecting the structures of the eye: conjunctivitis, blepharitis, iridocyclitis, scleritis, iritis, etc. The same applies to general infections - influenza, ARVI, syphilis, tuberculosis, mumps, rubella, etc. Intervention It is allowed to carry out only after complete recovery and relief of the inflammatory process.

Absolute contraindications:

IMPORTANT! The operation may be denied to persons with a complete lack of light perception. In this case, irreversible changes occur in the retina and installing an IOL will not help restore vision.

During pregnancy and lactation, intervention is also not performed. The operation is not complete without painkillers and antibacterial medications, which can harm the child.

Preoperative preparation

Before surgery to install an IOL, the patient will have to undergo a number of tests:

• clinical blood test;
• blood test for HIV, syphilis and two types of hepatitis (C and B);
• general urine analysis.

It will also be necessary to do fluorography and a cardiogram. If the patient suffers from general diseases (diabetes mellitus, hypertension, pathologies of the kidneys, blood vessels), consultation with related specialists - a therapist, endocrinologist, cardiologist, nephrologist - will be required.

A comprehensive ophthalmological examination is mandatory. It allows you to study the anatomy of the patient’s eyeball, refractive characteristics, and associated disorders.

The day before surgery, avoid heavy drinking, drinking alcohol, smoking, and physical activity. On the day of surgery, it is better to refuse breakfast, or try to have your last meal no later than 4 hours before the procedure.

How to choose an IOL

The choice of IOL is a key point in the preparatory stage. Many patients wonder which lens is best to install in order to achieve 100 percent vision. Only an experienced ophthalmologist can choose the right implant. To make an informed choice, it is necessary to take into account the characteristics of the visual apparatus, the age and occupation of the patient.

All IOLs that are installed in place of the removed lens are called aphakic. In terms of structure and functionality. Mainly used:

Often, patients are limited in finances, so they have to make a choice in favor of a less functional, but cheaper IOL.

REFERENCE! Monofocal IOLs are the cheapest for patients. They restore good distance vision, but for close work the patient may need glasses.

Progress of the operation

Modern ophthalmology offers a number of high-tech techniques that make it possible to replace the lens quickly, accurately and with minimal trauma.

Extracapsular extraction

This is the most affordable operation. The disadvantage of the operation is the need to make a large incision in the cornea and apply sutures.

The intervention is carried out under local or general anesthesia according to a specific scheme:

Extracapsular extraction is considered traumatic and carries a high risk of complications. Recently, the technique has been abandoned in favor of more progressive techniques.

During cataract extraction, complex equipment and expensive instruments are not required, therefore its price is considered relatively low. The cost of the operation without IOL implantation is about 15 thousand rubles. To this amount you will need to add the price of the implant depending on the model.

Phacoemulsification

Phacoemulsification is one of the most progressive and effective methods of lens replacement. The advantages of phacoemulsification are low trauma, safety and short recovery period. The operation does not even require anesthesia. The patient is conscious, and pain relief is carried out only with the help of anesthetic eye drops.

How the operation works:

1. After instilling the drops, an eyelid dilator is installed.
2. A micro-incision is made on the surface of the eyeball.
3. The anterior chamber of the eye is filled with viscoelastic - this substance protects the internal structures from injury.
4. A probe is inserted into the microincision, through which the lens is liquefied to an emulsion using laser or ultrasound.
5. Through the same incision, the emulsion is removed from the cavity, and a lens-implant is installed in its place.
6. The remaining viscoelastic is washed away with an irrigation solution, and the incision is self-sealed without sutures.

The operation time without a preparatory period is 15-20 minutes. It is better to check with your ophthalmology clinic how much phacoemulsification surgery costs. As a rule, the price of the procedure without IOL implantation is about 20-25 thousand rubles.

REFERENCE: The intraocular lens remains in the lens capsule for life, successfully performing its functions.

Eye care during rehabilitation

After any intervention, a sterile bandage is applied to the operated eye. Depending on the level of trauma, it will be allowed to be removed on the same day or later. In the postoperative period, the patient will be prescribed drops with disinfectant and anti-inflammatory properties. They will need to be instilled according to a sterile scheme, gradually reducing the frequency of use.

In the first days, you should avoid contact of the mucous membrane of the eye with any irritants - soap solutions, water, dust, foreign particles. In some cases, the use of a special curtain and sunglasses is indicated. You should wash your face very carefully, without touching the operated area with your hands.

The effectiveness of artificial lens installation

Vision is restored most quickly after phacoemulsification surgery. Already on the same day, diagnostics are carried out in the doctor’s office, which shows an improvement in vision by approximately 70%. Visual perception is finally restored on the second or third day after the procedure. Theoretically, on the day of surgery, the patient can already read and watch TV, but doctors advise postponing these activities to a later date.

With extracapsular extraction, rehabilitation lasts longer - from several weeks to several months. The quality of vision is assessed after removal of the sutures.

The effectiveness of lens placement largely depends on the type of IOL chosen. Accommodating and multifocal lenses provide the best postoperative results because they completely imitate the work of the natural lens. They allow you to see well at any distance without glasses. Monofocal lenses are a budget option. After their installation, vision is restored either far or near. And to change focus you will have to use glasses.

Possible complications after the intervention

In the postoperative period, there is a risk of complications:

• increased intraocular pressure;
• macular edema;
• postoperative astigmatism;
• corneal edema;
• pseudophakic bullous keratopathy;
• IOL displacement;
• rhegmatogenous retinal detachment;
• endophthalmitis.

Statistics say that complications after phacoemulsification surgery are recorded in only 2% of cases. Moreover, most of them can be successfully treated and do not lead to loss of visual function.

IMPORTANT! You will have to visit the doctor on the 2nd, 7th and 14th day after the procedure. This is necessary to assess lens survival and early diagnosis of complications.

Living with New Vision

After modern ophthalmological operations, the patient can safely lead a normal lifestyle. Restrictions should be adhered to only in the first postoperative month so that the implant takes root and finally takes the desired position.

What restrictions does the introduction of IOLs imply in the first month after surgery:

• prolonged eye strain – reading, writing, watching TV, working at the computer, sewing;
• sleep on the side of the operated eye and on the stomach;
• physical activity over 5 kg;
• mechanical impact on the eye - friction, scratching, pressure;
• use of contact lenses;
• swimming in public reservoirs and pools.

Video review

Patient impressions of lens replacement surgery:

Lens replacement has long moved from the category of high-tech operations to the category of everyday ophthalmological practice. The most popular and effective technique is phacoemulsification. This is the treatment prescribed to patients with cataracts and serious refractive errors. If the operation is successful and a highly functional lens is selected, you can count on excellent vision without glasses at any distance.

The lens is one of the most important parts of the eye, which acts as a natural lens and is responsible for the refraction of light rays, as a result of which an image of surrounding objects is formed on the retina. Any violation of its structure leads to deterioration of vision up to its complete loss, and therefore requires immediate treatment, most often surgical. Lens replacement surgery is a serious procedure that requires a certain level of professionalism from the doctor, entails a risk of complications and requires the patient to strictly follow medical recommendations.

Indications for lens replacement

Surgical intervention to replace the lens is carried out in case of violations of its structure or shape, which are not amenable to therapeutic or laser correction, and can lead to complete loss of vision. Usually these are the most common ophthalmological pathologies that tend to progress - presbyopia, astigmatism and myopia.

Table. Indications for lens replacement.

In addition, surgical intervention is performed when the lens is dislocated (for example, due to eye injuries), a violation of its refractive ability, which is observed as a result of certain diseases of the internal organs, or intolerance to conservative or optical correction.

For reference: Most often, lens replacement is necessary for people diagnosed with the disease, as the disease quickly progresses and leads to complete loss of vision. For myopia, surgery is performed only in complex cases in the presence of concomitant pathologies.

Contraindications to the procedure

Contraindications to surgical lens replacement include:

• inflammatory and infectious diseases of eye tissue, including keratitis, conjunctivitis, blepharitis, etc.;

• decompensated glaucoma - a pathology that is accompanied by an increase in intraocular pressure; after surgery it can lead to serious complications and complete loss of vision;
• lack of light perception is a serious disorder of retinal function, which has an unfavorable prognosis - if the patient has this symptom, replacing the lens will not make sense;
• serious diseases of internal organs, including diabetes, multiple sclerosis, cancer, heart attack or stroke, suffered within six months;
• the size of the eyeball or its anterior chamber is too small, which may interfere with the procedure;
• pregnancy and lactation.

Some of the above contraindications are relative. For infectious or inflammatory eye diseases, surgical intervention can be performed after the pathological process has been stopped. If a lens replacement is planned for a pregnant or lactating woman, doctors recommend waiting until after delivery and the end of the lactation period. With rapid progression of the disease, patients are prescribed maintenance medications.

Important: if there are contraindications in the form of diseases of internal organs, the patient is recommended to consult a specialist (cardiologist, neurologist, endocrinologist, etc.) and discuss the issue of surgical intervention.

Is it possible to do without surgery?

Lens replacement surgery entails certain risks of complications, but in some cases it is the only chance to preserve vision. For cataracts (especially age-related ones), conservative or laser therapy is ineffective; the pathological process progresses quite quickly, so without surgical treatment, patients will face complete blindness. Moreover, several years ago, ophthalmologists performed lens replacement only for mature cataracts, but today the operation is recommended to be performed immediately after irreversible changes have begun in the eye tissues.

It is possible to do without surgical intervention only for myopia, presbyopia, astigmatism and other visual impairments, provided that the disease does not progress and the patient is helped by optical vision correction. If the doctor advises you to replace the lens, you should not refuse the operation for fear of complications - the consequences of improper treatment can be much worse.

Effectiveness of lens replacement

According to medical statistics, the effectiveness of lens replacement surgery is 98%, which means that almost all patients experience a significant improvement in vision. In 80% of patients, the treatment result was preserved 7 years after the operation, and minor deterioration in visual function was observed in only 20% of cases. The need for use after surgery depends on the clinical course of the disease, the general condition of the human visual system and the functions of the implant that was installed instead of the natural lens.

Operation methods

There are several ways to perform lens replacement surgery, and the method and treatment regimen are selected by the doctor taking into account the characteristics of the course of the disease, the age and general condition of the patient.

1. Extracapsular extraction. During eye surgery, a small incision is made at the junction of the sclera and cornea. Through it, the damaged lens is removed, a ptrose is placed in its place, after which sutures are placed at the incision site. The patient remains in the hospital for several days, and the stitches are removed after about 3 months.
2. Ultrasound phacoemulsification. The main advantage of the procedure is that lens removal and implant installation are carried out in one step. A microscopic (no more than 2.5 mm) incision is made on the surface of the eyeball, into which an ultrasound probe is inserted, turning the tissue into liquid. The liquefied lens is pumped out of the capsule, after which an artificial substitute is placed into it. Before performing manipulations, special substances are introduced into the eye that protect its structures from damage and prepare the tissue for implantation. The operation is performed on an outpatient basis and no stitches are required.

In addition, there is a new surgical technology using a laser machine, which makes an incision on the surface of the eyeball. It is believed that the use of a laser reduces the risk of complications, but the cost of the procedure and its time increase significantly.

For reference: In modern ophthalmology clinics, lens replacement is usually performed using phacoemulsification. Outdated techniques such as extracapsular extraction are used quite rarely, only if the patient has certain medical indications.

Choosing an implant

Implants that are inserted to replace a damaged lens are called intraocular lenses. The success of the operation, visual function and quality of life of the patient largely depend on the correct choice of such a lens. Prostheses are distinguished by several parameters: rigidity, number of focuses and accommodative ability (adapt to focusing when viewing objects located at different distances).

The material from which artificial lenses are made can be soft or hard - hard lenses are cheaper, but are significantly inferior to soft ones in functionality. In addition, soft implants can be rolled before placement, allowing surgery to be performed with a minimal incision.

Depending on the number of foci (points at which the clearest image is formed), prostheses are divided into monofocal, bifocal and multifocal. The most common are bifocal implants with two focuses, which make it possible to clearly see objects at close and far distances. The principle of choice is as follows: the fewer focuses, the more often the patient will have to use optical correction.

Not all artificial lenses have the ability to accommodate (as a rule, only the most expensive ones), but such prostheses have an undoubted advantage - they can change their curvature, that is, they completely replace the natural lens.

For reference: the cost of an artificial lens depends on its features, functions, company and country of origin, and varies between 20-100 thousand rubles. Prostheses from Russian companies can be obtained free of charge if the replacement is carried out under a compulsory health insurance policy.

How is a lens replaced?

The operation to replace the lens is performed in several stages, and each of them is important for the final result.

Important: Immediately afterwards, vision may be impaired, and some patients experience difficulties with orientation in space, so it is best to come to the clinic accompanied by loved ones.

Possible complications

Thanks to the use of modern techniques and equipment, the risk of complications after lens replacement surgery is minimized. Sometimes patients experience the following pathologies:

• tissue infection;
• swelling and inflammation of the eye;
• intraocular bleeding;
• displacement of the artificial lens;
• increased intraocular pressure;
• retinal detachment;
• secondary cataract;
• opacification of the posterior part of the capsular bag;
• double vision due to the difference in the characteristics of artificial and natural lenses.

Some of the above conditions require immediate medical attention, so if you have severe pain that lasts for several days, fever, severe redness or bleeding in the eye, or severe vision problems, you should contact your doctor immediately. Pain during the first day after surgery, a feeling of discomfort and a slight burning sensation, as well as a slight blur before the eyes are a normal reaction of the body and go away without medical intervention.

Postoperative period

After lens replacement, vision begins to improve within a few hours, and the full effect of the operation can be felt within a month. To make the tissue healing process faster, you must follow the following recommendations:

• in the first days after the procedure, you should refrain from physical activity and drinking alcohol, do not rub your eyes or put pressure on it;
• rinse the eye with boiled or bottled water, instill drops prescribed by the doctor;

• protect the surgical site from mechanical damage and water ingress, and apply a special bandage to it at night;
• do not expose the operated eye to stress, avoid reading for too long, working at the computer, using mobile gadgets and watching television;
• when going outside, wear dark glasses - the artificial lens lets in more light, which can cause some discomfort;
• avoid temperature changes, do not visit a bathhouse or sauna, try not to go outside in frost or snow.

After about a month, most patients return to their normal life and professional activities, but this issue is best discussed with the attending physician, especially if the work involves physical and visual stress. The same applies to playing certain sports (swimming, weightlifting, etc.) and driving vehicles - if indicated, postoperative restrictions are extended for several months.

Lens replacement surgery is an effective, painless and relatively safe procedure that helps preserve vision and performance in people with complex eye diseases. With the right approach to treatment and careful attention to your health, the procedure is quick and successful, and the risk of complications is minimized.

Video - Lens replacement surgery for cataracts

Hello, is it possible to have a repeat operation to remove cataracts? I just started getting cloudy after a year and a half! and got the best answer

Reply from [guru]
No. If a cataract has already been removed, a new one will never appear again. Cataracts affect the lens; During cataract surgery, the affected lens is removed and an intraocular lens is implanted in its place. After cataract removal, some patients experience clouding of the posterior lens capsule, which holds the IOL in place. This phenomenon, known as secondary cataract, is sometimes mistaken for a cataract, but in fact it refers to a post-operative complication. A patient may develop cataracts in both eyes, but there are never more than two cataracts in a person’s life.
You can read more detailed information about vision restoration here link

Answer from Kondor01[active]
I advise you to pay attention to the organization of Tinshi, they have really good medicines there, they can cure catoracts myself, I didn’t believe in them, but after I drank the vitamins from them, now it’s been 2 years since I’ve never gotten sick and my grandmother is back on her feet

Answer from Puppeteer[guru]
This is what the internet says
1) The masters are frightened by those who cannot really help in any way other than deception. Treatment of severe, advanced, overripe cataracts - even for a high-class professional - is not an easy task, and the likelihood of complications increases exponentially the more you chicken out and delay surgery. These scarecrows have many ruined human destinies on their conscience. The issue is resolved painlessly, beautifully and reliably, if we talk about replacing a rotting and cloudy lens with a transparent artificial one. 2) Not repeated, but secondary cataract. This name has long since become obsolete, because it does not mean a cloudy lens that has grown again from scratch, but only the clouding of a thin capsular bag in which a transparent artificial lens is located. This does not always happen, and the longer you wait to have surgery, the more likely capsule fibrosis is. This problem can be solved without surgery. In a few minutes, without hospitalization, a laser beam makes a hole in the clouded capsule without pain or risk and vision improves immediately. You go home immediately after the procedure. The procedure is performed once in a lifetime.

Answer from Valery Shchetkin[newbie]
Now a new achievement has appeared in the field of ophthalmology microsurgery: treatment of cataracts with laser therapy should undergo a comprehensive examination and discuss all the nuances with your doctor

Answer from Tatjana Zaika[guru]
they were incorrectly careful... tilted their heads and many others. other..

Answer from Vikusha[guru]
Probably the lens was not changed, otherwise the question would not have arisen.

Answer from Elman Piriev[newbie]
GO TO THE DOCTOR!! ! HE KNOWS BEST!!!

Answer from Alina Kostyrya[newbie]
consult a doctor, health is your treasure and you don’t need to waste your treasures

Answer from Boris Pustovalov[newbie]
my eyes are constantly watering. The upper eyelid looks inflamed and greatly narrows the eye, hanging from above.

Answer from Nata Petrenko[newbie]
Good day. If you think the answer is incomplete, we are ready to answer additional and clarifying questions on the website link

Answer from 3 answers[guru]

Hello! Here is a selection of topics with answers to your question: Hello, is it possible to have a repeat operation to remove cataracts, I just got cloudy after a year and a half!