Cataract surgery is done to treat all types of cataracts; the congenital cataract, which is the one in which the baby is born with damage to the lens, or the acquired cataract, which is characterized by progressive loss of vision, resulting from the majority of aging. Learn more about cataracts.
Surgery is generally a fast procedure and, due to the technical development of both devices and ophthalmologists, it has high success rates, remembering that it is not free from complications, including infections that can lead to permanent blindness. Recovery in general is fast and, in about 1 week, the person can already do most of their routine activities.
Cataract surgery costs an average of R $ 5000.00 per eye, which may vary according to the severity of the case, the technique used, the lens to be implanted and / or the clinic where the procedure will be performed. SUS also takes place in public hospitals and in private and / or philanthropic institutions affiliated with SUS.
How is the surgery done
Surgery is usually done under local anesthesia, which can be either by injection or by using anesthetic eye drops. The procedure is usually quick, lasting about 30 minutes and does not cause pain during the surgery. Recovery in general is fast and, in about 1 week, the person can already do most of their routine activities.
The surgery takes place from a cut in the cornea that allows the damaged lens to be removed, which is replaced by a transparent artificial lens capable of restoring the person's vision.
A more recent and modern option of surgery consists of a laser capable of performing several stages of the surgical procedure. However, it is known that the laser in the usual cataract surgery is not better than an experienced surgeon. In cases of significant anatomical changes, the laser shows an important differential, as it assists the surgeon in some step that could be more challenging for him. Learn about the new cataract treatments.
Risks of cataract surgery
Surgery is generally a fast procedure and, due to the technical development of both devices and ophthalmologists, it has high success rates, remembering that it is not free from complications, including infections that can lead to permanent blindness. Recovery in general is fast and, in about 1 week, the person can already do most of their routine activities.
In the case of congenital cataracts, the risk of is greater, as the surgery is more challenging, in addition to the fact that the whole healing process of the child is different from that of the adult. Follow-up after surgery is essential so that the child's vision can be stimulated in the best possible way and that refractive problems (glasses degree) are corrected whenever necessary for better vision.
How is recovery
Recovery in general is fast and, in about 1 week, the person can already do most of their routine activities. For proper care, you should:
- Wear sunglasses whenever you go out on the street, at least for 24 hours; Rest for the first 2 days, avoiding excessive efforts; Put on anti-inflammatory eye drops, according to the doctor's recommendation.
For more details, always ask your attending physician.
