Cataract Surgery in Toulon, Var

Cataract surgery is the most commonly performed surgical procedure worldwide. It involves removing the clouded natural lens (cataract) and replacing it with a clear artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL). The surgery is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia. It is painless, requires no stitches, and visual recovery is rapid. Myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia can also be corrected during the procedure. Complications are extremely rare: fragility, infection, or minor adjustments.

Key Facts About Cataract Surgery

  • Definition: Removal of the clouded lens
  • Condition Treated: Cataracts
  • Preoperative Assessment: Vision tests, biometry, OCT, fundus exam
  • When to Operate: Visual discomfort, reduced acuity
  • Contraindications: Active infection, uncontrolled diabetes
  • Hospital Stay: Outpatient
  • Anesthesia: Local (eye drops)
  • Procedure: Incision, lens aspiration, corrective IOL placement
  • Postoperative Care: Antibiotic/anti-inflammatory eye drops for 1 month
  • Recovery Time: 1–7 days
  • Complications: Capsular rupture, endophthalmitis, retinal detachment
  • Cost: Covered by French Social Security & private insurance + possible surgeon fee supplement
  • Dr. Bourdon’s Fees: €273 (Social Security) + €250 surgeon fee (covered by insurance)

Definition: Removal of the Clouded Lens

A cataract is an ophthalmological condition caused by the gradual clouding of the eye’s natural lens, leading to progressive vision loss.

Cataract surgery (phacoemulsification) involves removing the clouded lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). This lens is essential to restore vision.

Expert Insight on Cataract Surgery

“Cataract surgery restores clear, sharp vision and reduces dependence on glasses! Today, it’s almost refractive surgery. The clouded lens is removed and replaced with a custom artificial lens that corrects myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia.”
— Dr. Hugo Bourdon

Surgical Techniques

1. Phacoemulsification (Modern Technique)

  • A small corneal incision is made, and an ultrasonic probe fragments and aspirates the clouded lens.
  • The most common, modern, and least invasive method.

2. Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (Femto-Laser)

  • A laser assists in certain steps of phacoemulsification.
  • Benefits are debated: longer procedure time, similar recovery and outcomes.
  • Note: Secondary cataract laser treatment (YAG capsulotomy) is not surgery.

3. Extracapsular Cataract Extraction (ECCE – Manual Surgery)

  • A larger corneal incision removes the lens in one piece.
  • Reserved for advanced or dense cataracts.

Both methods involve implanting an IOL.

Conditions Treated

  • Cataracts
  • Refractive errors (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, presbyopia – Prelex)
  • Glaucoma (optic nerve damage due to intraocular pressure)

Preoperative Assessment

  • Full ophthalmological exam (lens opacity, visual impairment).
  • Ocular biometry (measures eye size/curvature for IOL selection).
  • OCT (checks for glaucoma, maculopathy).
  • Corneal topography (evaluates astigmatism).

Choosing Your IOL

  • Monofocal: Clear vision at one distance (near or far).
  • Multifocal: Clear vision at multiple distances.
  • Toric: Corrects astigmatism.
  • Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF): Clear distance and intermediate vision.

Your surgeon will recommend the best IOL for your needs.

When to Operate

  • Surgery is recommended when cataracts impair daily life (e.g., driving, reading).
  • If vision falls below 20/40, driving must legally be paused until surgery.

Benefits of Cataract Surgery

  • Clearer vision.
  • Brighter color perception.
  • Reduced reliance on glasses.
  • Improved safety and independence.

Contraindications (Rare)

  • Active eye inflammation or infection.
  • Inability to tolerate anesthesia.

Hospital Stay: Outpatient

Patients arrive in the morning and leave the same day.

Anesthesia: Local with Sedation

  • Local anesthesia via eye drops or injection.
  • Sedation may be used for relaxation.

Procedure Steps (10 Minutes)

  1. Preoperative: Admission, sterile preparation.
  2. Surgery:
    • Local anesthesia.
    • Corneal incision.
    • Phacoemulsification (ultrasonic lens fragmentation/aspiration).
    • IOL implantation.
    • Self-sealing incision (no stitches).
  3. Postoperative: Antibiotic eye drops and protective shield.

Postoperative Care (1 Month)

  • Eye Drops: Antibiotic/anti-inflammatory for 1 month.
  • Hygiene: Rinse eyes with saline; avoid water exposure initially.
  • Protection: Wear sunglasses/safety glasses; sleep with a shield.
  • Activity Restrictions: Avoid heavy lifting for 1 week. Resume sports/swimming after 1 month.

Recovery Timeline

  • Vision improves within days.
  • Full recovery in 1 week.
  • Mild light sensitivity/itching may persist for 1–3 months.

Glasses After Surgery

  • Prescription glasses can be issued after 10 days (final check at 3–4 weeks).
  • Temporary reading glasses (+2.5/+3) may be used.
  • Sunglasses (category 3) recommended for UV protection.

Complications (Very Rare)

  • Minor Issues: Subconjunctival hemorrhage, dry eyes, halos (temporary).
  • Serious Complications: Capsular rupture, refractive error, retinal detachment, infection (endophthalmitis).

Cost in France

  • Covered by Social Security and private insurance.
  • Extra fees may apply for premium IOLs or private specialists.