Cataract Lens Almost Expired: What to Do?
Hello, everyone!
Welcome to the Retina e Vítreo channel, the most complete space on retina on YouTube. Take the opportunity to like and comment on your questions about retinal diseases or ophthalmology in general. We love answering your questions and we often choose some of them to create videos. Today, we're going to tackle an extremely important question that can clear up doubts for many people who need cataract surgery.
#### What is Cataract?
To better understand the subject, we need to know what cataracts are. Cataracts occur when the lens of the eye becomes opaque, impairing vision. When this happens, surgery is needed to remove the opaque lens and replace it with an intraocular lens, ensuring that the person can see clearly again.
#### Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is a simple procedure. We make a small incision of about 2.5 millimeters, remove the lens and implant an intraocular lens in its place. Modern lenses can correct problems such as astigmatism and reduce presbyopia, often reducing the need for glasses.
#### The Importance of Intraocular Lenses
A common question is: "Is it compulsory to have an intraocular lens implanted?" Yes, it is compulsory. Removing the lens without replacing it would leave the eye in a worse state. The intraocular lens is essential to replace the function of the removed lens and, at the same time, correct any residual degrees of vision.
#### The Expiration Date of the Lens
We received a question from a follower who was very concerned because his implanted intraocular lens had an expiry date of five months. He imagined that the lens would only work for five months and would then need to be replaced. This is a common concern, but let's clarify.
The expiry date written on the box or card of the lens refers to the sterilization process of the lens, not to how long it will work. This means that the lens must be implanted by this date to guarantee sterility. However, once implanted, the lens lasts for many years, often longer than the patient's own life, as it is made of acrylic.
#### Clarifying the confusion
So, to reassure our follower and others who may have the same doubt: the intraocular lens has no expiry date in terms of function. The expiry date only refers to sterilization and has a very wide safety margin. Even close to the expiration date, the lens can be implanted without any problems.
#### Conclusion
We hope this article has clarified your doubts about the expiry date of intraocular lenses. If you have any more questions, please leave a comment, like the video and subscribe to the Retina e Vítreo channel. See you in the next video!
• Lente intraocular vencida na cirurgia...
This video and its comments are not a substitute for a doctor's consultation and are for educational purposes only. They should not be used for decision-making purposes, which requires a face-to-face consultation with a specialist doctor.
Author:
Dr. Mário César Bulla
Cremers 28120
Ophthalmologist - Retinologist
www.clinicabulla.com.br
www.especialistaemretina.com.br
Instagram: @retina.bulla
Video URL: • Oclusão venosa da retina precisa trat...
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#ophthalmology
0:00 Expired intraocular lens = confusion.
0:50 What is cataract?
1:15 What is the intraocular lens for?
1:40 Leave the lens out after surgery?
2:10 Intraocular lens almost expired.
