Implantation of artificial lenses via micro-incision is the most gentle method of cataract treatment.
Cataract is a clouding of the crystalline lens of the eye that can be fully treated by means of implantation of artificial lenses. Our surgeons perform approx. 4,000 cataract surgeries per year. As pioneers of micro-incision surgery they only require a minimal incision of 1.5 - 1.6 mm for implantation of an artificial lens - as compared to the average incision size of 2.8 mm. They contributed to development of this innovative surgical techniques and lens systems, and they present their experience as members of the faculty of international expert congresses.
How can cataract be identified?
Video: Cataract Description
Cataract may affect everyone as of the age of 50. It causes a slight greying discolouration behind the pupil. This clouding of the lens affects refraction of light within the eye. Vision becomes increasingly blurred, and sensitivity to light also increases. This is a slow process without any pain. Further symptoms include slower light-dark change, deteriorating stereoscopic vision and distance vision as well as increasing number of halos around sources of light.
Cataract surgery is the only possibility to treat cataract.
Video: Cataract Treatment
Cataract is treated with an operation that replaces the clouded lens by an artificial lens implant. Today, this can be performed using the micro-incision technique. Here, at first a small incision is made at the outer edge of the eye. Then, the natural lens is emulsified by means of ultrasound waves and removed via the opening (phacoemulsification). Then, the surgeon implants an artificial lens. The modern lens types are made of soft and foldable materials that enable implantation of the lens in rolled-up condition through the opening. Only within the eye they return to their original shape. This operation can be performed as out-patient. If additional risks are present then cataract surgery is performed as in-patient.
Cataract surgery - important facts to know.
Our surgeons implant intraocular lenses via a minimal incision of 1.5 to 1.6 mm.
There are many differences with regard to cataract surgery: A survey performed amongst German ophthalmo-surgeons (Ambulante Intraokularchirurgie; M. Wenzel et al., performed by the professional associations BVA, BDOC and DGII) showed, that - only in Germany - there was a projected number of approx. 800,000 cataract surgeries in 2008. The respective incision size was between 1.5 and 6.5 mm. The mean incision size was 2.8 mm. Dr. Breyer performs approx. 2,000 of such interventions per year, and he is one of the very few eye surgeons worldwide who implant the artificial lens into the eye via a micro-incision measuring only 1.5 to 1.6 mm. This system is not even available in the USA yet! Furthermore, he is a leading developer of the respectively required surgical instruments and techniques, and he presents them at international congresses.
Patients' benefit regarding minimal-invasive cataract surgery:
- The operation involves less strain.
- Sutures are not required any more.
- It enables very rapid recovery of visual acuity.
- You may continue activities of daily life only a few days after surgery.
Do not postpone cataract surgery!
During late stage of cataract your vision - and thus also a part of your quality of life - will continuously decrease. At the same time, the risk of accidents will increase, as this is connected to decreased vision. The longer you wait the more complication related the surgical intervention will be. The sick lens in the eye will become increasingly harder, and removal surgery will become more demanding and more risky.
Posterior Capsule Opacification (PCO)- what is it?
Video: Posterior Capsule Opacification
Posterior Capsule Opacification (PCO) is a natural cicatrisation of the capsule into which the lens was implanted. It occurs with almost any cataract surgery, and we remove it rapidly and without pain using the state-of-the-art YAG laser of Carl Zeiss Meditec (YAG laser capsulotomy). Here, the YAG laser creates a small hole in the posterior capsule so that light may enter into the eye without obstructions.
Multifocal lenses - a life without glasses as of the age of 40.
The natural lens of the eye has the ability to rapidly adjust itself to various distances (accommodation). This ability increasingly disappears with advancing age and will result in (presbyopia). Today, so-called multifocal lenses are used as lens implants - both for treating cataract and presbyopia - in order to preserve a part of the eye's ability to adjust itself to various distances, also after cataract surgery. Multifocal lenses (MIOL) are characterised by small concentric steps within the lens that enable vision of short and far distances without the undesired varifocal effect.
For further information on multifocal lenses (MIOLs), please read the chapter premium lenses. We would be pleased to advice you on the type of lens that is most suitable for you.