kaihileikkaus

Kaihileikkaus, or cataract surgery, is a medical procedure to remove a clouded natural lens (cataract) and replace it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). It is performed when cataracts significantly impair daily activities such as reading, driving, or recognizing faces. It is one of the most common ophthalmic surgeries worldwide, and most patients are older adults.

Most modern kaihileikkaus uses phacoemulsification: a small corneal incision, ultrasonic breaking of the lens, suction, and implantation of the IOL into the lens capsule. The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. In some cases laser-assisted surgery or extracapsular extraction may be used.

Outcomes are typically favorable, with substantial improvement in vision for many patients. Recovery usually takes a week or two, during which eye drops are used to prevent infection and inflammation, and patients should avoid heavy lifting and rubbing the eye. Glasses or contact lenses may still be needed for refractive correction.

Risks include infection, inflammation, bleeding, increased intraocular pressure, retinal detachment, and posterior capsule opacification, which can occur months or years later and may require laser treatment.

IOL options include monofocal lenses for distance vision; multifocal or accommodating lenses to reduce glasses dependence; and toric lenses to correct astigmatism.