Cataract surgery

Don't forget to read our brochure

How is a cataract operation performed?

During the procedure, the contents of the cloudy lens are removed from the lens case through very small openings in the eye. A new transparent artificial lens is then inserted into the lens case. The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic. The eye is usually anaesthetised with drops, rarely with a syringe placed under the eye.

Cataract surgery is therefore possible at any age, you can usually continue to take your usual medication and you do not have to spend the night in hospital.

If you are taking anticoagulants (cardio-aspirin, Plavix, Marcoumar, Sintrom, etc.), you should always inform the ophthalmologist. It is sometimes necessary to temporarily stop these drugs and possibly replace them with injections. This is always done in consultation with your doctor.

Preparing for the operation

During a preparatory examination at our eye clinic in Winksele, a number of measurements are taken to determine the strength of the artificial lens and to check the health of the eye. The advantages and disadvantages of the procedure, as well as the type of anaesthesia and the type of lens implanted, will then be discussed with you.

On the day of the operation

The operation takes place on the Gasthuisberg campus of UZ Leuven. The procedure is described in detail in the brochure that you will receive during your preliminary examination. The operation takes place in a supine position; we make sure that you lie as comfortably as possible. Once you have been anaesthetised and disinfected, the actual procedure begins, which usually takes about 20 minutes. During the procedure you will not feel any pain, but you will feel water running down your cheek.

Depending on the anaesthetic, you may still be able to see a little. After the operation, the eye is covered with an eye patch. The cup will remain on the eye until the day after the operation. The nurse on the CDCO ward will give you further instructions on aftercare. After half an hour you can go home, if you feel well enough. Of course, it is not advisable to drive a car yourself!

Aftercare

Eye drops

• Tobradex eye drops 4 times a day 1 drop for 2 weeks.
• Indocollyre eye drops 4 times a day 1 drop for 2 weeks, 3 times a day 1 drop for 2 weeks.
• Eye cup in the evening until 4 days after the operation.

Activities

• You can carry out your normal activities, with the exception of intense or risky physical efforts. You should limit bending and carrying heavy loads, especially in the first few days.
• You can also shower and wash your hair carefully after about two days.
• You should not rub the operated eye.

Check ups

There will be a check-up after one day, after about one week and after about one month. The glasses will be adjusted at the last check-up. During the first week, vision usually improves gradually and the eye becomes less sensitive. If your eye becomes redder or more painful, or if your vision deteriorates, you should always contact your eye doctor or hospital. This may be a sign of a serious infection setting in. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to ask!

You can reach the Winksele Eye Clinic during the day on 016/89 52 76.

You can reach the surgical day centre for eye diseases on 016/33 77 20.