Should you avoid summer? 7 misconceptions and truths about cataract surgery

 

Cataract surgery does not need to be done urgently (○)

 

Most emergency surgeries are not necessary; if you experience visual impairment that affects daily life, surgery is recommended. Dr. Song Min-kyung from the ophthalmology department at Ilsan Baek Hospital states, "If you have symptoms of decreased vision but do not undergo surgery and leave it untreated, your vision will deteriorate further and the difficulty of the surgery itself will increase." She emphasizes, "After a diagnosis of cataracts, it is best to have regular check-ups and consult with your doctor to undergo surgery at the appropriate time."

 

Summer should be avoided whenever possible (X)

 

During the 1 to 2 weeks after cataract surgery, many people avoid washing their face or hair. Professor Song Min-kyung said, "However, there is no difference in surgical outcomes depending on the season," and "Cataracts can only be treated with surgery, so if there is discomfort in seeing even during summer, it is advisable to consider surgery."

 

You must wear sunglasses immediately after surgery (X)

 

No. As the cloudy cataract becomes clear artificial lens, it can become sensitive to light. However, outdoors, the UV protection effect of the transparent artificial lens decreases, so it is recommended to wear sunglasses to protect the retina.

 

■ Multifocal intraocular lenses also have disadvantages (○)

 

Cataract surgery involves replacing the cloudy lens with an artificial intraocular lens. In particular, multifocal intraocular lenses are preferred by many patients because they allow good vision at both distance and near. Professor Song Min-kyung said, "However, multifocal intraocular lenses disperse focus, resulting in lower clarity compared to monofocal lenses, and may cause side effects such as shadowing and glare," and advised, "If you are sensitive or sensitive to light, you should be cautious about undergoing multifocal intraocular lens surgery."

 

■ Intraocular lens can be replaced with a different type (△)

 

It is not always possible without proper consultation with the attending physician. Situations where considering an intraocular lens exchange may be appropriate are when the condition of the eye changes over time. In particular, patients who have received monofocal intraocular lenses experience inconvenience when using magnifying glasses for near work, and as their eye condition changes over time, they may wish to have the lens replaced with a multifocal intraocular lens.

 

Dr. Choi Moon-jung, a retina specialist at Kim Eye Hospital Retina Center, said, "In this case, replacement is possible, but if a significant amount of time has passed, there is a high likelihood that the intraocular lens has already adhered to the surrounding tissues inside the eye, making removal itself potentially more dangerous. While adding an additional lens on top of the existing monofocal lens can be considered, it is a highly complex procedure that requires thorough consultation with an experienced specialist."

 

■If blurry symptoms appear after surgery, it is not a sign of recurrence (X)

 

It is not a recurrence of cataracts, but rather the proliferation of proteins or epithelial cells in the thin membrane surrounding the intraocular lens and the natural lens, called the capsular bag, causing cloudiness. Specialist Dr. Choi Moon-jung said, "This is called posterior capsule opacification or secondary cataract, and it can be treated with laser removal of the debris in the capsular bag without additional surgery."

 

Cataract surgery also has side effects (O)

 

All surgeries are inevitably associated with complications and side effects. The most common side effect is dry eye caused by changes in corneal nerves. Therefore, if a patient already suffers from severe dry eye, it is advisable to treat it thoroughly before surgery. Other potential complications include intraocular infections caused by bacterial infection, dislocation of the intraocular lens from its position, and corneal damage leading to corneal failure.