Cómo recuperar la visión tras la cirugía de cataratas: una guía para pacientes

Title: How to Recover Vision After Cataract Surgery: A Guide for Patients. Author: Chen Ying, Second People's Hospital of Changde, Department of Ophthalmology. Review by: Hunan Medical Talk. Production Information: Follow @HunanMedicalTalk for more information on health and scientific dissemination.

Grandmother Zhang (a fictitious name), who lives near the Shimen Bridge, has experienced blurred vision for an entire year. In early 2025, her eyesight deteriorated drastically, leaving her with only light perception, making her entirely reliant on her children for daily activities, and she became melancholy, far from the joy she once had. To improve Grandmother Zhang's quality of life, her children took her to the Second Municipal Hospital of Changde for treatment.

After being admitted to the hospital, the attending physician performed cataract phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation on Grandmother Zhang.

Following the postoperative review, her vision improved from light perception to 0.3. When the bandage was removed, Grandmother Zhang joyfully extended her hand and was able to accurately grasp that of her children: 'I thought I would never again see my children's faces in this life.'

The invisible killer of vision.

"What one sees is covered by a thick layer of fog that cannot be wiped away; everything appears blurry" — this is a shared painful experience among cataract patients. As the leading cause of blindness worldwide, cataracts are not a "problem exclusive" to the elderly; they can silently appear in one hundred-year-olds, children, and even active adults.

Breaking the fog of knowledge.

Error 1: Cataracts are a disease exclusive to the elderly.

A survey by the Chinese Medical Association shows that the proportion of young and middle-aged patients with cataracts has increased by almost 40% compared to ten years ago. Overuse of electronic products, inadequate visual habits, and exposure to ultraviolet radiation are some of the triggering factors.

Error 2: Cataracts must 'mature' before surgery can be performed.

Modern medicine considers that if vision decreases below 0.5 and affects normal life, surgery can be performed. Delaying this procedure may lead to complications such as glaucoma or uveitis, potentially resulting in blindness.

Error 3: Medications can cure cataracts.

Currently, there is no medication that can reverse the clouding of the lens; surgery is the only effective treatment, and medications can only slow the progression of the disease in some patients.

Error 4: The risk of surgery is high.

The complication rate for phacoemulsification surgery is less than 1%, which is significantly lower than the risk of long-term side effects from medication. The postoperative review of Grandmother Zhang showed that her eye pressure, corneal endothelial count, and other indicators are completely normal.

Fighting for the Light.

Early discovery: If symptoms such as painless vision loss, blurred vision, diplopia (double vision), or light sensitivity appear, promptly consult an ophthalmologist for a slit lamp examination and obtain a clear diagnosis.

Choosing the right plan: Select a personalized treatment based on age, ocular conditions, and life needs, under the guidance of a physician.

Postoperative care: Follow medical advice regarding medication, avoid intense exercise and trauma to the eyes, have regular check-ups, maintain a balanced diet, reduce intake of high-fat and sugary foods, and adequately protect against ultraviolet rays when going outside.

Cataracts are not something to be feared. They do not represent irreversible darkness in life. To combat cataracts, both the sword of modern medicine and the courage to clear the fog of ignorance are needed. May every pair of eyes that longs for light find protection from professionals, allowing life to regain its color and hope.