Crystalline Lens (Cataract) Unit
Fundamental unit due to the common nature of this disease and the excellent surgical solution it offers.
The crystalline lens is the natural lens that focuses light rays onto the centre of the retina. When this lens becomes cloudy or opaque, this is known as a cataract, which may occur in diseases such as diabetes or with medical treatments such as corticosteroids or following trauma.
The most common cause of cataracts is natural ageing, with up to 70% of people over the age of 75 developing them. Cataracts are the most common cause of sight loss worldwide.
Modern cataract surgery uses ultrasound (phacoemulsification) to break up the core of the crystalline lens. The hardened lens, measuring 12 mm in diameter, can then be removed through an opening slightly larger than 2 mm. The operation should restore the optical power of the crystalline lens, thanks to implantation of an Intraocular Lens.
We can currently achieve very low or 0 scores after the operation, even when the eye was previously myopic (short-sighted) or hyperopic (long-sighted). The new intraocular lenses can correct astigmatism (toric lenses) or reduce eye strain (multifocal lenses). Our team has extensive experience in this type of lens.
Our femtosecond laser instruments are in the early stages of clinical use with the associated advantages and disadvantages.
As with all modern ophthalmic surgical procedures, the following are essential elements: experience of professionals, best diagnostic technology and best surgical instrumentation. Our Unit meets and exceeds all of these conditions.
The Cataract Unit is supported by most of our institution's ophthalmic surgeons as cataracts are the most common surgical disease in ophthalmology, and all of our doctors have extensive experience in their treatment. Dr Susana Duch and Dr David Andreu supervise procedures within this Unit.