{"id":203,"date":"2020-04-14T11:50:03","date_gmt":"2020-04-14T11:50:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ophthalmo-iasis.gr\/?page_id=203"},"modified":"2026-04-06T17:13:53","modified_gmt":"2026-04-06T17:13:53","slug":"%ce%ba%ce%b1%cf%84%ce%b1%cf%81%cf%81%ce%ac%ce%ba%cf%84%ce%b7%cf%82","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/ophthalmo-iasis.gr\/en\/%ce%ba%ce%b1%cf%84%ce%b1%cf%81%cf%81%ce%ac%ce%ba%cf%84%ce%b7%cf%82\/","title":{"rendered":"Cataract"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/span><\/div>

Cataract<\/b><\/h1>\n<\/div><\/div>

A cataract is a clouding of the lens inside the eye. Inside the eye behind the colored part (iris) is the lens. In a normal eye, this lens is clear. It helps focus light onto the back of the eye (the retina), which sends signals to the brain that allow us to see. When a cataract develops, the lens becomes cloudy and blocks light rays from passing through.<\/span><\/p>\n

What symptoms does cataract cause?<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Cataracts usually form slowly over time, causing a gradual blurring of vision that is ultimately not corrected by glasses. In some people, vision can deteriorate relatively quickly. Cataract development can also cause glare, difficulty driving at night, and multiple images in one eye, which can affect the quality of vision.<\/p>\n

Does cataract spread from eye to eye?<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

No. But it often develops in both eyes either at the same time or one after the other.<\/span><\/p>\n

Is there a link between diabetes and cataracts?<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Yes. Cataracts are more common in people who have certain diseases such as diabetes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u0394\u03b5\u03bd \u03ae\u03be\u03b5\u03c1\u03b1 \u03cc\u03c4\u03b9 \u03b5\u03af\u03c7\u03b1 \u03ba\u03b1\u03c4\u03b1\u03c1\u03c1\u03ac\u03ba\u03c4\u03b7 \u03ad\u03c9\u03c2 \u03cc\u03c4\u03bf\u03c5 \u03bc\u03bf\u03c5 \u03c4\u03bf \u03b5\u03af\u03c0\u03b5 \u03bf \u03bf\u03c0\u03c4\u03b9\u03ba\u03cc\u03c2 \u03bc\u03bf\u03c5 - \u03b5\u03af\u03bd\u03b1\u03b9 \u03b1\u03c5\u03c4\u03cc \u03c3\u03c5\u03c7\u03bd\u03cc?<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

At first, you may not notice that a cataract is developing and may not cause any problems with your vision. Generally, as a cataract develops over time, you will begin to notice blurred vision. In most cases, eyes with cataracts look normal on the outside, but if the cataract is advanced, your pupil may appear cloudy or white.<\/span><\/p>\n

You may need to get new eyeglass prescriptions more often as your cataracts develop. Eventually, when your cataracts get worse, your glasses may no longer improve your vision, and you may have difficulty seeing things even with your glasses.<\/span><\/p>\n

Treatment<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

When should I treat my cataract?<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

In many cases, cataracts are harmless and can remain in your eye. When cataracts progress to the point that they interfere with daily activities or lifestyle, even when you use proper glasses, then cataract surgery may be the next step. Modern surgery has excellent results for the majority of patients, but, as with all surgeries, there is a risk of complications.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cataract surgery is performed when you have a problem with your vision and want to do something about it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Can anything be done to stop my cataract from getting worse?<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

There is no known method of preventing cataracts.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u0388\u03c7\u03c9 \u03ba\u03b1\u03c4\u03b1\u03c1\u03c1\u03ac\u03ba\u03c4\u03b7 \u03ba\u03b1\u03b9 \u03c3\u03c4\u03b1 \u03b4\u03cd\u03bf \u03bc\u03ac\u03c4\u03b9\u03b1 - \u03b8\u03b1 \u03c7\u03b5\u03b9\u03c1\u03bf\u03c5\u03c1\u03b3\u03b7\u03b8\u03bf\u03cd\u03bd \u03c4\u03b1\u03c5\u03c4\u03cc\u03c7\u03c1\u03bf\u03bd\u03b1;<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

It is common for cataracts to develop more quickly in one eye than the other. The eye with the most advanced cataract is usually operated on first. Although it is possible to have surgery on both eyes on the same day, this is not common.<\/p>\n

Will I need special testing before surgery?<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Yes. Special tests are required to determine the power of the lens that will be inserted into the eye. These measurements are taken before the day of surgery. Before your special tests, if you wear contact lenses, you should not use them:<\/span><\/p>\n

1 week for soft contact lenses<\/span><\/p>\n

2 week for hard contact lenses<\/span><\/p>\n

I had previous laser corrective surgery. Does that play a role?<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Refractive lasers (e.g. LASIK and PRK) are used to correct refractive errors (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism)<\/span><\/p>\n

If you have had laser treatment, it is very important to inform the surgeon during the preoperative check-up.<\/b><\/p>\n

Excimer laser treatment affects the calculation of the power of the intraocular lens to be used.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What happens during cataract surgery?<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Your eye is never removed during the procedure. The most common cataract surgery is performed through small incisions and a procedure called \u201cphacoemulsification.\u201d This technique uses ultrasound to soften the lens, which is then dissolved and suctioned out with special instruments. An artificial lens (intraocular lens), made of synthetic material, is placed inside the eye. The lens shell remains in the eye and holds the artificial lens in place.<\/span><\/p>\n

The incision is very small and most patients do not need stitches, although very fine stitches are sometimes used to close the incision securely. This may occasionally cause some mild temporary post-operative irritation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Depending on the type used, the stitches may need to be removed. Removing the stitches is usually done in the clinic and is a quick and painless procedure.<\/span><\/p>\n

Can cataract be removed with laser?<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

The new technology is available using a specially designed laser for part of the procedure. However, a surgeon still needs to intervene to complete the surgery. It is currently not possible to remove a cataract with laser alone.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What takes place during surgery?<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

The procedure is performed while you are lying on the operating table. Your face is partially covered by a sterile drape. If you have difficulty lying flat or are claustrophobic, we will do our best to make you comfortable before the procedure begins, but it is recommended that you inform the surgeon during your preoperative examination.<\/p>\n

During the operation, the surgeon uses a microscope and the bright light from the microscope and cover means that you cannot see the organs working, but you may see shadows and moving shapes. You will usually be awake during the operation and will see white light and often colorful lights and shadows. You may feel the surgeon's hands resting gently on your cheek or forehead.<\/p>\n

A lot of fluids are used during the procedure. Sometimes, the fluid can leak out from under the drape and run down your face, into your ear, or up your neck, which can be uncomfortable.<\/span><\/p>\n

You may hear conversations during the operation. Please do not participate as it is important to remain still during the operation.<\/span><\/p>\n

What kind of anaesthesia is necessary?<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Most cataract surgeries are done under local anesthesia, where you are awake but your eye is numb. This is usually achieved with drops or an injection around your eye.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sedation may be administered if deemed necessary<\/span><\/p>\n

Will I need to stay in the clinic?<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Cataract surgery is day surgery. That means you don't have to stay in the clinic.<\/span><\/p>\n

Which are my choices in terms of needing glasses after surgery?<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Monofocal intraocular lenses<\/b><\/p>\n

Your lens, which helps you focus, is removed during the surgery and replaced with an artificial lens, the intraocular lens. There are a variety of lenses that can be used and they affect how you will see at a distance or when reading after the surgery.<\/span><\/p>\n

During your initial assessment, the surgeon will discuss with you whether you want better focus for near vision or distance vision.<\/span><\/p>\n

Most people choose to see well at a distance after surgery. If you choose this option, you will usually need reading glasses and may also need glasses for good distance focus.<\/span><\/p>\n

Some people choose to see well at close range, especially if they like to read without glasses. If you choose this option, you will need glasses for distance vision (e.g. driving).<\/span><\/p>\n

-Monovision<\/b><\/p>\n

By combining distance vision in one eye with near vision in the other, you may be less dependent on glasses after surgery. Dividing focus between the eyes in this way does not prevent the eyes from working together or disrupt your balance. You will likely need glasses for at least some activities after surgery, and it may take a few days for you to get used to your new vision.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

-<\/span>Multifocal intraocular lenses<\/b><\/p>\n

Multifocal lenses are lenses that aim to correct vision for both near and far distances. Multifocal lenses do not work for all patients and may reduce contrast vision. <\/span><\/p>\n

Toric intraocular lenses (for astigmatism correction)<\/b><\/p>\n

Toric lenses are available for patients with moderate to high astigmatism. A toric lens is made from the same material as a standard non-toric lens but also includes correction for astigmatism. The goal is to improve your vision so that the need for glasses is minimized, but, as with standard lenses, you may still need glasses for some activities.<\/span><\/p>\n

There are a few potential issues with toric lenses:<\/span><\/p>\n