Cataracts are one of the leading causes of vision loss worldwide, but they can be treated. They are a progressive clouding of the crystalline lens that blurs vision and affects quality of life.

It is the most frequently performed eye operation in the world, with more than 20 million procedures every year.

More than 90% of patients regain excellent vision after surgery.

The results are permanent, as the clouded lens is replaced with an artificial intraocular lens.

What are Cataracts?

Cataracts are the loss of transparency of the crystalline lens, a natural lens inside the eye that helps focus images on the retina. As we age, the lens can become cloudy, blocking the passage of light and causing blurred vision.

There are different types of cataract:

✅ Age-related (senile) cataracts: the most common, they develop with age.
✅ Congenital cataracts: present from birth.
✅ Traumatic cataracts: caused by injuries or blows to the eye.
✅ Secondary cataracts: associated with long-term use of corticosteroids.

Cataracts can affect one or both eyes and progress gradually. Without treatment, they can lead to severe loss of vision.

How do you know if you have cataracts?

Cataracts usually develop slowly, so many people do not notice the symptoms at first. Typical signs include:

🔹 Blurred or cloudy vision, like looking through a misted-up window.
🔹 Increased sensitivity to light, with glare or halos around light sources.
🔹 Difficulty seeing at night, especially when driving.
🔹 Loss of colour perception, with colours looking duller or yellowish.
🔹 Frequent need to change your glasses or contact lens prescription.
🔹 Double vision in one eye (monocular diplopia).

If you notice any of these symptoms, it is essential to see an ophthalmologist for an assessment.

Why do cataracts develop?

The main risk factor for developing cataracts is ageing, but there are other causes that can speed up their onset.

Factors that increase the risk of cataracts:
✅ Advanced age: the most common cause.
✅ Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
✅ Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
✅ Diabetes and other metabolic diseases.
✅ Long-term use of medicines such as corticosteroids.
✅ Previous eye surgery or eye trauma.

Reducing these risk factors and having regular eye check-ups can help detect cataracts early.

Surgery is the only effective solution

There are no medicines, eye drops or glasses that can eliminate cataracts. The only way to restore vision is through eye surgery.

🔹 Cataract surgery: quick, safe and effective

The procedure consists of removing the clouded lens and replacing it with an intraocular lens (IOL) that restores clear vision.

💡 How is the surgery performed?
1️⃣ The affected lens is removed using ultrasound phacoemulsification.
2️⃣ A personalised intraocular lens is implanted.
3️⃣ No hospital stay is required and recovery is quick.

At Clínica Ramírez & Gálvez, we use state-of-the-art technology to ensure the best results.

Monofocal IOLs

These lenses provide excellent visual quality, but with a single point of focus. They are recommended for patients who do not mind wearing glasses for near or intermediate vision. Distance vision is generally optimised, while tasks such as reading or using screens will require additional glasses.

Multifocal IOLs

Multifocal lenses, especially trifocal lenses, provide clear vision at three distances: far, intermediate and near. This reduces or even eliminates the need for glasses in most everyday activities. However, because they split light into different focal points, they may cause halos at night or a slight reduction in contrast in some people.

Extended Depth of Focus IOLs

This type of lens offers sharp vision at far and intermediate distances, with less impact on night-time visual quality than trifocal lenses. Reading glasses may be needed for small print at near distance. They are an excellent alternative for those seeking independence from glasses with fewer side effects.

Toric IOLs

Designed for patients with astigmatism, these personalised lenses correct the irregular curvature of the cornea to provide sharper, distortion-free vision. They must be positioned precisely on each patient's correct axis to achieve an optimal result.