Laser vision correction and cataract

Cataract – what exactly is it?

Cataract is defined as the clouding of the crystalline lens of the eye. It often develops slowly and painlessly and, if left untreated, can lead to eventual blindness. Usually, the first symptom is impaired vision, and hence the need for ever more frequent replacement of the lenses in glasses.

At some point, the correction does not bring the desired effect anymore, and as the disease continues to develop, visual symptoms may also appear – for instance, double vision or halos around sources of light. They vary depending on the type of cataract we are dealing with.

Types of cataract

The most typical type of cataract is an age-related one. Due to the anatomy of the human lens, three main types of cataract can be distinguished – cortical, nuclear sclerotic, and posterior subcapsular. The other types include anterior subcapsular, diabetic, polar, traumatic, congenital, radiation-induced, and secondary cataract.

Patients often develop clouding in more than one area of the lens, which may result in different types of cataract overlapping.

Symptoms characteristic of the development of cataract

• Blurred distance or close-up vision – each type of cataract may affect vision at different distance
• Halos or light streaks around sources of light, double vision
• Difficulty seeing well in dim light, including poor night vision
• Loss of sensitivity to contrast and lack of ability to distinguish between colours
• Progressing short-sightedness or change in the refraction (turning into negative dioptres)

Factors conducive to the development of cataract

• Diabetes or elevated level of glucose in the blood
• Steroid treatment (oral, intravenous or inhaled)
• Exposure to ultraviolet radiation
• Smoking
• Eye diseases: retinitis pigmentosa, uveitis
• Eye trauma or previous surgical treatment of the eye
• Genetic predispositions
• Radiotherapy or chemotherapy

Forms of cataract treatment

• Non-surgical treatment
  So far, the effectiveness of pharmacological treatment of cataract or its complete prevention has not been proven. However, what can be done is slow down its development, which is why it is advisable to implement and follow a healthy lifestyle – such as a balanced diet, prevention of excessive exposure to UV radiation, avoiding injuries and in case of diabetes close monitoring of the glucose level in the blood.
• Surgical treatment
  The only effective form of cataract treatment is phacoemulsification – a surgical procedure that consists in the removal of the natural, clouded lens using ultrasound and implantation of an artificial lens (previously selected by a doctor during a qualifying examination) in its place.

Cataract and laser vision correction

Cataract may constitute a temporary contraindication to a laser vision correction procedure until it is treated surgically. What has to be born in mind though is that there are numerous factors that determine the final decision regarding the qualification for laser correction, including the type of cataract, its stage and potential complications it entails, as well as the patient’s general health condition and the parameters of the cornea (its shape, thickness, and curvature). All of the above factors are checked by an ophthalmic surgeon during the qualifying examination.

Ametropia after a cataract surgery, on the other hand, is an indication for a laser vision correction procedure. This procedure is currently less popular in Poland than in other countries around the world. Following a cataract surgery, you have to wait at least 3 months before you can undergo a laser vision correction procedure.

The qualifying examination, preceding a laser vision correction surgery allows to detect and eliminate potential contraindications to the procedure, including cataract. If you feel that your visual acuity has deteriorated or you have other difficulty seeing clearly, and at the same time you would like to be able to stop wearing glasses or contact lenses permanently, you should check if your vision problems result from a progressing refractive error or from cataract. In order to make an appointment for the qualifying examination, fill in a preliminary qualification form online or use the contact tab.

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