When the natural lens in the eye becomes cloudy, we speak of cataract. This clouding of the lens makes it harder for light rays to reach the retina, resulting in misty and less sharp vision.
Usually, the clouding of the eye lens is a result of aging. Cataracts develop gradually and it may take years before you notice any symptoms. Sometimes the process is faster and you may notice your vision deteriorating over a few months. Other causes of cataracts include:
Symptoms:
Treatment: Cataracts can only be treated with surgery. No medication can make the lens clear again.
The cloudy content of the lens capsule is removed through small openings in the eye. A new, clear artificial lens is then placed in the capsule. The procedure is done under local anesthesia. Usually, the eye is numbed with drops, only very rarely with an injection under the eye. Cataract surgery can be done at any age.
You can continue using your regular medications and do not need to stay overnight in the hospital. Blood thinners (Xarelto, Lixiana, Pradaxa, Eliquis, Asaflow, Marcoumar, Sintrom, etc.) can also be continued unless anesthesia is given with an injection, which is very rare and will be discussed with your doctor.
There are three types of implant lenses: unifocal/monofocal, trifocal/multifocal, and EDOF lenses. Each type also comes in a toric and non-toric variant.
How to choose the right type of lens:
The best lens for you depends on many factors, such as your current prescription, whether you wear contact lenses, your hobbies, age, tolerance for mono-vision, eye health, tolerance for visual phenomena, personality, etc. Your eye doctor will discuss this with you during the preoperative examination.
The procedure is done at UZ Leuven, Gasthuisberg campus in Day Hospital 3. This is located on Orange Street, gate 7, level -1.
What time should I arrive at the hospital?
The time stated in your appointment letter is when you should check in. The procedure usually starts 1.5 hours later. You will be in the hospital for a total of 2.5 to 3 hours. The procedure itself takes 15 to 20 minutes but includes thorough preparation, aftercare, and instructions.
If you have mobility issues:
Wheelchairs are available in the central reception hall.
You will be prepared in the preparation room by a skilled nurse. You will receive a Temesta, and a pill will be placed in your eye to dilate the pupil. Sometimes an IV is placed. In the operating room, your eye will be numbed and disinfected. The procedure takes 15 to 20 minutes. You will see bright lights, feel water flowing, and sometimes feel pressure. The procedure is not painful. Afterward, your eye will be covered with a protective shell until the next morning. You will be able to go home about half an hour later, but you cannot drive yourself.
The day after surgery, you will have a check-up at the Eye Clinic in Winksele. You cannot drive that day. Your vision will gradually improve throughout the week. Normal activities such as reading, watching TV, working on a computer, and light household tasks can be resumed. Light exercise can be resumed from the third day after the surgery, but avoid ball sports, combat sports, swimming, and saunas for a month.
Shortly after the procedure, you can go home. You will receive a schedule with eye drops to prevent infection and inflammation:
Tobradex eye drops 4 times a day for 2 weeks, then 2 times a day for 2 weeks
Dicloabak eye drops 4 times a day for 2 weeks, then 3 times a day for 2 weeks
Eye shield at night for 4 days after the surgery If you experience pain, you can take a Dafalgan (500 mg) every 6 hours. Do not rub your eyes.
Things should gradually improve in the first week. If it gets worse, that is not normal. Your eye should not become increasingly red, more painful, or your vision worse. These could be signs of a serious infection. If this happens, contact the Eye Clinic in Winksele at 016/895276 or Gasthuisberg at 016/332211.
The total hospital bill is usually €1600 to €1650 per eye. If you are a member of a health insurance fund, the surgery costs around €300 to €350 per eye, with the remaining €1300 covered by the fund. If you have hospitalization insurance, the remaining €300 to €350 is also reimbursed. For trifocal/multifocal or EDOF lenses, this amount is in addition to the standard €1600 to €1650 and may need to be paid partially or fully by the patient, even with hospitalization insurance. The fee for the eye doctor is always reimbursed by the health insurance fund. The additional cost of the lenses does not affect the doctor’s remuneration but goes to the pharmacy and the lens manufacturer.
You should have enough with one bottle of each type of drops per eye. If you run out, you can request an additional prescription by phone or email. This is only necessary for Tobradex drops; one bottle of Dicloabak is always sufficient.
During the first week, keep the bottles for each eye separate. After the first week, you can use the same bottle for both eyes.
How much time should I leave between drops?
A few minutes.
Does the order of the drops matter?
No, it does not matter.
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