What is a ripe cataract?

A cataractous lens that is not treated and turns totally opaque and white is referred to as a ripe cataract. Patients can only make out the difference between light and dark. The lens may turn even more yellow or turn totally black.
 

What are the symptoms of cataract?

The most common symptoms of cataract are:

• blurred vision, fewer details
• double vision
• sensitivity to light
• the need for more light when reading
• diminished night vision
• changed prescription power for glasses 
     

How long does cataract treatment take?

The treatment itself takes 15 to 20 minutes. The entire procedure, including precare and aftercare will take approximately 2 to 3 hours.    
 

Are both eyes treated on the same day?

In most cases, both eyes are not normally treated on the same day. The second eye will be treated as soon as the first eye has healed.
  

Do I have to wear my glasses again after treatment?

The artificial lenses are made to suit a particular power. In most cases, the prescription power of the glasses changes after artificial lens implantation.
  

What are the risks of cataract treatment?

Cataract operations are routine surgery. The risk of complications is small, but haemorrhaging, an infection or a retinal problem may occur. 
   

What is secondary cataract?

After cataract surgery, the quality of vision is once again clear and focused. After several months or years, the image may sometimes become less clear gradually. This is usually caused by secondary cataract. During cataract surgery, the opaque lens is removed from the eye and replaced with a new small plastic lens. This new lens is inserted into the “lens capsular bag” which originally contained the natural crystalline lens. Sometimes, new lens fibres may be gradually produced within this lens capsular bag, resulting in opacity directly behind the artificial lens. This is referred to as secondary cataract. These days, secondary cataract is treated with a YAG laser. This treatment is painless and takes no more than 5 minutes.
  

Why does OPHTEC manufacture so many different cataract lenses?

We consider it important that doctors can choose whichever lens they consider to be best suited to their patient's individual needs.