For Patients

Surgery is the only effective cataract treatment method. There is no evidence of effectiveness of drugs and supplements of any kind.

Surgical treatment is a removal of a natural lens by performing a very small incision on the edge of the cornea (a width of the incision is usualy 2,2 to 2,6 mm.). Through this incision a surgeon inserts thin needle that emits ultrasounds and thus breaks a clouded natural lens in small pieces and allows to remove it.

In a place where the natural lens were, surgeon inserts artificial lens, that unfolds in the eye. Implanted lens allows post op vision.

Surgery usually takes up to 30 minutes. A patient is fully concious, only topical anesthetics are applied. For more information on cataract surgery we advice you to contact your ophthalmologist and we also invite you to visit Questions and Answers area.

Pytania i odpowiedzi dotyczące leczenia zaćmy

What is cataract?

It is a opacification of a natural lens usually as a result of ageing of human body (so called senile cataract). During first period a disease results in decreasing of color perception, contrast sensitivity, night vision. Developing cataract that is not operated can cause blindness, fortunately it is a reversible effect. Cataract surgery is the only effective treatment method and means removing a opacified natural lens and implanting artificial lens.
How to recognize cataract?

Patients that report decreasing quality of vision, color perception, night vision problems should consult an ophthalmologist. Every ophthalmologist is able to evaluate if these are the signs of developing cataract during routine examination.
How does patient’s condition influences the possibility for cataract removal?

In a preoperational period patient is asked for a anaesthesiologist consultancy that will show if patient’s is suitable for cataract surgery and how should one prepare for it.
When to operate cataract?

The decision is made by ophthalmologist and the patient. Sometime it is possible to postpone the surgery, but one should take into consideration long waiting time for a surgery reimbursed by NFZ. The best is not to wait too long as development of cataract can, in some cases, be very quick.
Where you can have cataract removed?

Cataract surgeries are being performed on ophthalmic wards of public hospitals, medical university clinics or private centers that have contracts with National Health Fund on cataract surgeries. In addition to that, private medical centers have the possibility to perform private/fully paid cataract surgery without the need for waiting in long queues.
Are all artificial lenses the same?

No. Artificial lenses differ with respect to material, dimensions, complications frequency, additional features that are beneficial both to patient and surgeon.
How long cataract surgery lasts?

Usually it takes about 30 minutes.
Does a cataract surgery hurts?

Despite being concious during the surgery, patients do not feel pain as they are always under anesthesia. Patients feel the touch, but no pain. Anaesthesiologist looks after patients condition during surgery.
How a patient should behave during cataract surgery?

After entering operating room patient is asked to lay down on a operating table on one’s back and put one’s head in a prepared spot (nurses will help). The eye lids and surrounds will be desinfected and the surgical cloth will be put on patient’s head. Patient will be asked to keep both eyes open and look straight into the light of the microscope. Patient will have contact with the staff and should report verbaly all inconveniences.
How you should behave during post op period?

Usually patient is being asked for a post op examination after 1 day, 1 week, 1 month after the surgery. In a post op period patient should avoid lifting, bending and sleeping on the side of the operated eye.
When you can have the second eye’s cataract removed?

It is a doctor’s and patient’s decision, but usually not earlier than after 2-3 months