How to treat cataracts? Experts have something to say

Physicians Yun Bo, Dong Zhe and He Yuan from the Cataract Center of Beijing Tongren Hospital popularized cataract knowledge to the public.

Cataract is one of the most common eye diseases, a disease that occurs in the lens of the eye. "The lens in the eye acts like a camera lens, and cataract is like the lens of a camera becoming cloudy." He Yuan said that typical symptoms of cataract patients include gradual decline in vision, double vision, virtual images, darkening of colors, etc.

Cataracts cannot be treated simply with medication, and the main treatment method is still surgery. "Phacoemulsification is now commonly used in cataract surgery," said Dong Zhe. "Phacoemulsification was developed in China at the end of the last century, and has become the most commonly used surgical method for cataract removal. This operation uses the ultrasonic energy generated by the phacoemulsifier to emulsify the cloudy lens and then implant a suitable artificial lens. This operation has the characteristics of small incision, short operation time and fast postoperative recovery. In recent years, with the development of new technologies, this operation has become safer and more efficient. For example, for some cases with special requirements, we can complete phacoemulsification under the assistance of femtosecond laser or the guidance of navigation system, which increases the accuracy of the operation while improving the safety of the operation."

Cataract surgery is the process of removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial lens. So how do you choose an artificial lens? "The price of an artificial lens is related to its material, structure and functional diversity." Yunbo explained that artificial lenses are divided into monofocal and multifocal, and monofocal artificial lenses are divided into spherical and aspherical. Monofocal artificial lenses implanted in the patient's eye will produce a focus, so objects can only be seen clearly at a certain distance. Patients need to choose myopia glasses or hyperopia glasses to use after surgery. For the choice of artificial lenses, patients can fully communicate with doctors according to their economic conditions and eye conditions to make the best choice. "Each artificial lens has a unique design, but all artificial lenses are not perfect and cannot completely replace the original natural lens. There needs to be an adaptation process after surgery." Yunbo said.

Regarding how to maintain a good condition before, during and after cataract surgery, He Yuan said that before cataract surgery, you need to have a regular daily routine, get enough sleep and eat a proper diet. On the day of surgery, maintain good personal hygiene, do not wear makeup, and wear loose cardigan clothes. Relax your body and mind during the surgery, and communicate with the doctor if you have any problems such as coughing. After surgery, take medication on time, rest carefully, maintain eye hygiene and go to the hospital for follow-up examinations on time.

This work is original to "Science Popularization China - Masters Talk on the Frontiers of Science and Technology". Please indicate the source when reprinting.