What is Cataract Surgery?
Cataract is a medical eye condition where the normally translucent lens becomes cloudy, impairing vision and clarity. Cataract surgery involves replacing the opaque lens with a clear, artificial lens, restoring your vision and clarity.
Common Symptoms of Cataract
Cataract symptoms include:
- Blurred or Claudy Vision: difficult to see details
- Increased sensitivity and glare to bright light,
- Difficulty with night vision
- Halos or glare around lights
- Fading or yellowing of colors
- Rarely double vision in one eye
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Diagnosing Cataracts
Based on your symptoms, the doctor will conduct a thorough eye examination. This may include using tools such as a slit lamp and visual acuity tests to assess the condition and diagnose cataracts.
When should I see a Cataract specialist?
If you are over 50 and have noticed a decline in your vision, increased sensitivity to bright lights, or fading colour brightness, it’s important to get your eyes checked. These could be signs of cataracts or other age-related eye conditions that require professional evaluation.
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Types of Cataract Surgery
There are several types of cataract surgery, with the most common being:
- Small-incision cataract surgery (Phacoemulsification): This is the most common type of cataract surgery. A small incision is made in the eye, and the hard center of the lens is broken up using ultrasound (phacoemulsification). The fragments are then removed by suction.
- Extracapsular cataract surgery: In this type, an incision is made on the top part of the eye to remove the hard center of the lens. The remaining cataract material is then removed by suction.
- Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS): This advanced technique uses a femtosecond laser to make precise incisions and soften the cataract lens before it is removed, offering increased accuracy and potentially faster recovery.
Causes of Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery may be recommended for the following reasons:
- Blurry vision: When cataracts cause significant vision impairment, making it difficult to see clearly.
- Increased glare: Cataracts can increase sensitivity to light, making it hard to see in bright conditions or at night.
- Difficulty with daily activities: If cataracts make tasks like reading, driving, or recognizing faces challenging, surgery may be necessary.
- Interference with other eye treatments: If a cataract prevents an eye doctor from properly examining the back of the eye to monitor or treat conditions like age-related macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy.
Cataract surgery helps restore vision and enables better management of other eye health issues.
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Risks of Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is generally safe and effective, but like any surgical procedure, it can have complications.
- Intraoperative Complications: These can occur during the surgery and include:
- Posterior capsule rupture: This occurs when the thin membrane (posterior capsule) that holds the lens in place is torn, which can lead to other complications.
- Corneal edema: Swelling of the cornea can happen during surgery, temporarily affecting vision.
- Postoperative Complications: These complications can occur after surgery, such as:
- Infection (Endophthalmitis): Though rare, this serious infection can occur inside the eye following surgery.
- Inflammation: Some degree of inflammation is common, but excessive inflammation can lead to pain, redness, and vision problems.
- Floaters: Some patients may notice new floaters in their vision after surgery, which are often harmless but can be annoying.
- Retinal detachment: Although rare, cataract surgery can increase the risk of retinal detachment, which is a more serious condition requiring prompt treatment.
- Visual disturbances: Patients may experience glare, halos around lights, or changes in vision quality after surgery.
- Posterior Capsule Opacification (PCO): Over time, some patients may develop a clouding of the membrane behind the intraocular lens, leading to blurred vision. This is sometimes referred to as a secondary cataract and can be treated with a simple outpatient procedure called YAG laser capsulotomy.
- Glaucoma: In some cases, cataract surgery can lead to an increase in intraocular pressure, resulting in glaucoma.
- Lens Dislocation or Malposition: The intraocular lens can potentially move out of its correct position after surgery, necessitating further intervention.
Be sure to discuss your specific health conditions and individualized risks with your ophthalmologist before surgery.
With careful planning and expert care, cataract surgery can significantly improve your vision and enhance your daily activities.
How to Prepare for Cataract Eye Operation
- Meet with your ophthalmologist: Share your concerns and fears and ask any questions you may have about your medical case, potential risks, and the expected outcomes of the surgery.
- Arrange transportation: Make sure you have someone to drive you to and from the surgery, as you will not be able to drive yourself afterward.
- Wear comfortable clothing: Bring loose, comfy clothes, such as a front-zip shirt and easy-to-wear pants, to make dressing easier after surgery.
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Why Choose Reem Hospital for Cataract Treatment?
At Reem Hospital, we combine expert eye care with state-of-the-art technology to provide comprehensive optical care and the best cataract solutions for restoring your quality vision.
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Last updated on January 2, 2025
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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What is the recovery time for cataract surgery?
Typically, it takes 4 weeks to fully recover from cataract surgery. During this time, it’s best to rest as much as possible. However, you can resume your normal activities within the first week, if you follow your doctor’s guidelines for post-surgery care.
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What type of anaesthesia is used for cataract surgery?
Cataract surgery is typically performed under local anaesthesia, so you will be fully awake during the procedure. The anaesthesia will numb only the eye, preventing any pain. Sedatives may also be prescribed to help you relax during the surgery.
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How long does cataract surgery take?
Cataract surgery typically takes between 30 minutes to 1 hour. The procedure is relatively quick and doesn’t require an overnight stay in the hospital.
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What are the different types of intraocular lenses (IOLs)?
- Mono-focal Lenses: These have one focusing power, typically set for distance vision. Glasses may still be needed for close-up tasks.
- Extended Depth-of-Focus (EDOF) Lenses: These provide excellent distance and mid-range vision but may still require glasses for close-up tasks like reading.
- Mono-focal Lenses with Monovision: One lens corrects for distance, the other for near vision. It helps reduce glasses use but requires adaptation, and not everyone can adjust to it.
- Multifocal Lenses: These lenses offer multiple focal zones for both near and distance vision, reducing the need for glasses, but may cause halos or rings around lights.
- Toric Lenses: Designed to correct astigmatism, these lenses improve clarity. available in mono-focal, multifocal or EDOF options.
- Phakic Lenses: Implanted in younger individuals to correct nearsightedness without removing the natural lens and later removed during cataract surgery.
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Will I need glasses after cataract surgery?
Yes, in some cases, wearing glasses may still be required after cataract surgery, depending on the condition and the type of lens implanted.
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Can I have cataract surgery if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
It is advisable to wait until after pregnancy and breastfeeding before undergoing cataract surgery. The anaesthetic agents, antibiotics prescribed after surgery, and eye drops used for recovery can be too much for a pregnant or breastfeeding woman. Instead, focus on taking vitamins, supplements, and prioritizing your child’s care during this time.
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1813+ reviews
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Kristine Manalo
January 20, 2025
Good service and nice facilities🥰
anoreg gerona
January 20, 2025
The best hospital
lubna labeeb
January 20, 2025
I had an IFHAS check-up at Reem Hospital, and it was an excellent experience. They assigned a dedicated coordinator ( Hunais )who stayed with me all day, efficiently organizing my... see more appointments across departments. The process was seamless, professional, and well-organized. Highly recommended!
Haifa H
January 20, 2025
I recently visited this hospital, very kind employees especially receptionist, nice atmosphere. I relaxed waiting area without any disturbance. Thanks reem hospital for your incredible hospitality👌
suneer Soopy
January 20, 2025
مستشفى جميل و نظيف
ماشاءالله، و رعايتهم بالمريض عالية
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January 20, 2025
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January 20, 2025
Everything you can wish for in a hospital 🫰
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January 20, 2025
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January 20, 2025
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January 20, 2025
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January 20, 2025
Thank you Ahmad Shaban
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January 20, 2025
best hospitality, care and support. Specially, front Desk Mr. Ahmed shaban, very supportive guy! Hats off.
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January 19, 2025
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January 19, 2025
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January 19, 2025
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January 19, 2025
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January 19, 2025
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January 19, 2025
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January 16, 2025
Very nice hospital and services are incredible , especially the Department of Gastroenterology.
fayez hadi
January 14, 2025
Excellent services
Ganesh Majhi
January 14, 2025
الحمد لله علي التعافي ورحلة العلاج اولا هذا من فضل ربي
ثم مجهودات القائمين علي المستشفي والعياده الدكتور احمد عبدالفتاح بيومي نوفل وطبعا مينفعش انسي الممرضين ولا الاستقبال الاستاذه كريمه علي... see more حسن المعامله جزاكم الله خيرا علي مجهودكم وحقيقي لو هرشح مستشفي او عيادة انف واذن هتكون عيادة انف واذن مستشفي الريم وبالاخص دكتور احمد نوفل والطاقم المعاون ♥️♥️
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January 14, 2025
Very good hospital. Cardiology department is exceptionally good, very attentive staff. Special thanks to Merit, she explained everything in detail when I made an appointment over the phone and... see more accompanied me to the procedures. 10/10
Elina
January 13, 2025
Thank Iman for the good guidance during my medical check up.
Nadine Schubach
January 13, 2025
We recently had our son admitted to this hospital, and we are so grateful for the care and support we received. The staff was exceptional, but we especially want to... see more commend Nurse Jorge for his kindness, compassion, and outstanding skills. He went above and beyond to meet all of our child's needs and made the entire experience much less stressful for us as parents. His genuine care and attention to detail made a world of difference during a challenging time. Thank you to Nurse Jorge and the entire team for the excellent service and dedication to their patients. Highly recommend this hospital!
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January 12, 2025
Awesome hospital with excellent doctors
Mr Das
January 10, 2025
Good services with all staffs are perfect
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January 10, 2025
Best ENT doctor ever
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January 10, 2025
The front desk staff was very helpful and accommodating. Mr Merit and Ms Niran was ready to assist you with all your concerns. I am very happy to meet them.
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January 10, 2025
Good service
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January 9, 2025
Dr.Danya Bushwereb (the Consultant family medicine) is so professional and helpful,she helped me a lot during my treatment journey.Thank you Dr.Danya and Reem hospital,we hope to see more doctors like... see more Dr.Danya
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January 9, 2025
Dra Mavarish - podologist Very professional and competent Came to call me herself at the reception Excelent work
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January 8, 2025
Eiman was amazing and very helpful during my elite medical check up and everything was prompt. Highly recommend to come in the morning as it’s less crowded and reach out... see more to Eiman for getting the best service
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January 8, 2025
شكرا دكتور احمد نوفل و الطاقم كاملا لنجاح عملية ابنتي اللحمية وشفط سوائل الأذن بامتياز حيث لم تعاني من اي الآلام بعد العمليه وهي في عمر السنتين وبضعة أشهر
بارك الله... see more في علمك وعملك
ساعدتني على اكتشاف مشكلة اللحميه و مشكلة التهابات الاذن المتكررة دكتوره ايمان حسن للاطفال ولها جزيل الشكر على متابعتها المستمره ودائما صحة التشخيص والعلاج المناسب و هذا من خلال خبرتها الواسعة و علمها الوافر بارك الله فيك
Marym Rihan
January 8, 2025
Went for an Executive Health Check, really excellent service, all of the doctors were faultless, knowledgeable and excellent Being guided round the hospital to each appointment made the entire... see more visit absolutely seamless
Ben Fryer
January 8, 2025
I had a fantastic experience with the hospital's Orthopedic and Physiotherapy departments, specifically Dr. Farid Guirguis and Mr. Dilshad in PT.
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January 8, 2025
Excellent experience, professional full health check undertaken quickly and with excellent customer service.
Ian Smith
January 8, 2025
Signed up for the premier executive package and everything went smooth with the help from Ms Manar. Highly recommended.
G.S. Lai
January 1, 2025
Ms. Meritb assisted me for my whole body checkup and was very supportive. It was good experience.
abhishek lone
January 1, 2025
I would like to take this opportunity to say that me and my husband are very blessed to have Dr. Salwa El-Taher as our OB-Gyne. Its our first pregnancy and... see more as expected we are worried and clueless about what will happen. But, with the help of Dr. Salwa we felt calm. She provided us answers/explanation in our questions. Making it easy for us to understand what is happening. Most especially when Dr. Salwa took care of us during labor. Fast decision making for my well-being (during labor) and ceasarian operation. Dr. Salwa took care of us from the very 1st visit up to post-partum check-up. I would definitely recommend Dr. Salwa. Thank you again Doctor! More blessings to you and to Reem Hospital!
Dani Hermogenes
January 1, 2025