Cataract surgery in Tunisia

One of the most important sense that humans have is sight, it’s after all the key to seeing and experiencing the world.

But with old age it could get weaker and more blurry and distorted, and it could be very problematic because a weak sight can prevent you from doing your daily activities and your hobbies.

Weak sight has many downsides such as:

• The chances of you falling.
• Possibility of not being able to drive anymore.
• It can affect your mental health negatively; a study has shown that a poor eye sight can cause depression.

At MedEspoir we believe that every problem has a smart and effective solution, and it’s our mission to give you the latest and best treatments in the world, and for the problem of weak eye sight we offer you the cataract surgery in Tunisia.

Thanks to the skills and dedication of our best doctors in Tunisia, you will have a safe operation that we guarantee it’s results.

You will also be able to undergo the cataract surgery in Tunisia at the best and most affordable price.

How much does cataract surgery in Tunisia cost ?

Are you tired of the high prices of cosmetic surgeries, but you want to have one? If that’s the case then MedEspoir is your best choice.

With us you will save 70% on the price of having any cosmetic surgery like cataract surgery in Tunisia.

To offer you the best prices and cut the high costs we have created a unique all-inclusive package that covers all the costs of the operation such as:

• The cost of the medical tool that will be used during or after the operation.
• Your hotel room during your stay in Tunisia.
• The doctor’s fees.
• The transportation from the airport to your hotel and from there to the clinic.
• The post-operative care and medication.

Our prices are unmatched and our results are guaranteed, we are the best in the field of cosmetic surgery.

What is a cataract surgery ?

Cataract surgery or phacoemulsification consists of treating cataracts, an eye disorder that causes serious deterioration of vision.

When the intraocular lens, the crystalline lens begins to become opaque the eye can lose it’s ability to focus and can cause many issues such as:

• Colors lose their intensity.
• Poor night vision.
• Double vision.
• Glare becomes frequent.

This means that you start to need more powerful light to see, read, and do your basic daily activities, this is fixed by replacing the failing lens with an implant.

Cataract surgery is currently a quick and painless process, it’s very effective and with little risk.

The operation of cataracts consists in extracting the contents of the crystalline lens clouded by ultrasound and replacing them with a personalized intraocular lens.

It restores normal and even better vision for you.

What are the types of the Cataract surgery?

Phacoemulsification Cataract Surgery:

Phacoemulsification cataract surgery, often referred to simply as “phaco,” is the most common and widely performed technique for removing cataracts today. This sophisticated procedure involves the use of ultrasonic energy to break up and emulsify the cloudy lens inside the eye, allowing for its removal through a small incision.

The process begins with the creation of a tiny opening in the cornea or sclera, through which a small probe is inserted into the eye. The probe emits ultrasonic vibrations that liquefy the cataractous lens, which is then suctioned out of the eye using gentle suction. Once the cataract is removed, an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) is typically implanted to replace the natural lens and restore clear vision.

Phacoemulsification offers several advantages over traditional cataract surgery, including smaller incisions, faster recovery times, and reduced risk of complications such as corneal swelling and astigmatism.

Extracapsular Cataract Extraction (ECCE):

Extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) is an older surgical technique for removing cataracts that involves removing the lens intact through a larger incision compared to phacoemulsification.

While ECCE is less commonly performed today due to the widespread adoption of phacoemulsification, it may still be recommended in certain cases where phacoemulsification is not feasible or appropriate.

During ECCE, a larger incision is made in the cornea or sclera to allow for manual removal of the cataractous lens, which is extracted in one piece rather than being emulsified and aspirated. Once the lens is removed, an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) is typically implanted to replace the natural lens and restore vision.

While ECCE may be associated with slightly longer recovery times and a higher risk of complications such as corneal swelling and astigmatism compared to phacoemulsification, it remains a valuable option for patients with certain anatomical considerations or advanced cataracts that cannot be effectively treated with other techniques.

However, it’s important for patients to discuss the potential risks and benefits of ECCE with their ophthalmologist and explore alternative treatment options before proceeding with surgery.

Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (LACS):

Laser-assisted cataract surgery (LACS) is an innovative approach to cataract removal that combines the precision of femtosecond laser technology with the benefits of phacoemulsification. Unlike traditional cataract surgery, which relies primarily on manual techniques for creating incisions and breaking up the cataractous lens, LACS utilizes a femtosecond laser to perform key steps of the procedure with unparalleled accuracy and reproducibility. The process begins with the creation of precise incisions in the cornea and lens capsule, followed by fragmentation of the cataractous lens into small pieces using laser energy.

Once the lens is fragmented, it can be easily removed using phacoemulsification or manual techniques. One of the primary advantages of LACS is its ability to automate and standardize critical steps of the cataract surgery process, leading to improved surgical precision, reduced risk of complications, and enhanced visual outcomes.

Additionally, the use of laser technology allows for greater customization of the procedure, with options for tailored incision patterns and lens fragmentation techniques to suit each patient’s unique anatomical characteristics and visual needs.

Manual Small-Incision Cataract Surgery (MSICS):

Manual small-incision cataract surgery (MSICS) is an alternative technique for removing cataracts that combines the benefits of small incisions with the simplicity and cost-effectiveness of manual instrumentation.

This approach is particularly well-suited for patients in developing countries or remote areas where access to advanced technology such as phacoemulsification or laser-assisted surgery may be limited. During MSICS, a small incision is made in the cornea or sclera, typically ranging from 5 to 7 millimeters in length, to allow for manual removal of the cataractous lens. Unlike phacoemulsification, which requires expensive equipment and specialized training, MSICS can be performed using basic surgical instruments such as a keratome and forceps, making it more accessible to a wider range of surgeons.

While MSICS may be associated with slightly longer recovery times and a higher risk of complications such as corneal swelling and astigmatism compared to phacoemulsification, it remains a valuable option for patients who may not have access to more advanced surgical techniques.

Refractive Cataract Surgery (RCS):

Refractive cataract surgery (RCS), also known as premium cataract surgery, is an advanced approach to cataract removal that aims to not only restore vision but also correct refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. In addition to removing the cataractous lens, RCS includes additional steps such as precise measurement of the eye’s optical characteristics, customization of the intraocular lens (IOL) selection, and, in some cases, the use of advanced technology such as toric IOLs or multifocal IOLs to achieve optimal visual outcomes.

By addressing both cataracts and refractive errors simultaneously, RCS offers patients the opportunity to reduce their dependence on glasses or contact lenses and enjoy clearer, more functional vision after surgery

Laser-assisted Cataract Surgery (LACS):

Laser-assisted cataract surgery (LACS) is a revolutionary advancement in cataract treatment, integrating laser technology into the traditional cataract surgery procedure to enhance precision and improve outcomes. During LACS, a femtosecond laser is used to create precise incisions in the cornea, break up the cataractous lens into small fragments, and soften the lens for easier removal. This technology allows for greater accuracy and reproducibility compared to manual techniques, leading to improved visual outcomes and reduced risk of complications such as capsule tears and corneal edema.

Additionally, LACS offers the potential for customized treatment options, including astigmatism correction and multifocal intraocular lens (IOL) implantation, to address a wide range of patient needs and preferences. While LACS may be associated with slightly higher costs compared to traditional cataract surgery, many patients find the added benefits well worth the investment. However, it’s important to note that not all individuals are suitable candidates for LACS, and a comprehensive pre-operative evaluation is necessary to determine eligibility and assess potential risks and benefits.

Femtosecond Laser-assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS):

Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) represents the cutting edge of cataract treatment, harnessing the power of femtosecond laser technology to automate and refine key steps of the surgical procedure. FLACS offers several advantages over traditional cataract surgery, including increased precision, reproducibility, and safety. During FLACS, a femtosecond laser is used to create precise incisions in the cornea, soften the cataractous lens, and fragment the lens into small pieces for easier removal.

This automated approach reduces the risk of complications such as capsule tears and corneal edema, leading to improved visual outcomes and faster recovery times. Additionally, FLACS allows for customized treatment options, including astigmatism correction and multifocal intraocular lens (IOL) implantation, to address a wide range of patient needs and preferences. While FLACS may be associated with slightly higher costs compared to traditional cataract surgery, many patients find the added benefits well worth the investment.

Manual Cataract Surgery:

Manual cataract surgery, also known as extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE), is a traditional approach to cataract removal that predates modern phacoemulsification techniques. During manual cataract surgery, the surgeon makes a large incision in the eye to access the cataractous lens, which is then removed intact through the incision.

Once the cataract is removed, an intraocular lens (IOL) is typically implanted to replace the natural lens and restore vision. While manual cataract surgery has been largely supplanted by phacoemulsification in recent years, it may still be recommended in certain cases where phacoemulsification is not feasible or appropriate.

Combined Cataract and Glaucoma Surgery:

Combined cataract and glaucoma surgery is a specialized approach to treating patients with both cataracts and glaucoma, two common age-related eye conditions that often coexist. This integrated approach allows for the simultaneous management of both conditions during a single surgical procedure, reducing the need for multiple surgeries and optimizing visual and intraocular pressure (IOP) outcomes.

During combined cataract and glaucoma surgery, the cataractous lens is removed using phacoemulsification or other techniques, and an intraocular lens (IOL) is implanted to restore vision. Additionally, procedures such as trabeculectomy, trabeculotomy, or implantation of glaucoma drainage devices may be performed to improve aqueous outflow and lower IOP.

By addressing both cataracts and glaucoma simultaneously, combined surgery offers several potential benefits, including reduced recovery times, improved patient convenience, and better overall visual and IOP outcomes.

However, it’s important for patients to undergo a comprehensive pre-operative evaluation and discuss all potential risks and benefits with their ophthalmologist to determine if they are suitable candidates for combined cataract and glaucoma surgery.

Small-Incision Cataract Surgery:

Small-incision cataract surgery (SICS) is a minimally invasive technique for removing cataracts that combines the benefits of small incisions with the simplicity and cost-effectiveness of manual instrumentation.

This approach is particularly well-suited for patients in developing countries or remote areas where access to advanced technology such as phacoemulsification may be limited. During SICS, a small incision is made in the cornea or sclera, typically ranging from 5 to 7 millimeters in length, to allow for manual removal of the cataractous lens.

Unlike phacoemulsification, which requires expensive equipment and specialized training, SICS can be performed using basic surgical instruments such as a keratome and forceps, making it more accessible to a wider range of surgeons.

While SICS may be associated with slightly longer recovery times and a higher risk of complications compared to phacoemulsification, it remains a valuable option for patients who may not have access to more advanced surgical techniques.

What does cataract surgery cure ?

A few years ago, it was recommended to wait for a very advanced cataract to be able to perform the surgery.

Today, cataract surgery is performed as soon as possible, once the patient begins to notice the symptoms and perceive a deterioration in their quality of vision, along with refractive problems such as:

• Presbyopia.
• Myopia.
• Hypermetropia.
• Astigmatism.

What are the types of lenses used in a cataract surgery ?

Intraocular lenses are in constant technological evolution, both in their design and in their materials, currently, there are several types of intraocular lenses.

Monofocal intraocular lenses.

They correct distant vision but the patient still needs lenses to see up close.

Multifocal intraocular lenses.

Using these can remove your dependence on glasses for distance and near vision, more recently, trifocal intraocular lenses have appeared, providing vision at different distances, near, medium and far.

How to prepare for cataract surgery ?

You will meet with your doctor for your pre-surgical appointment, during which you will tell the surgeon of your goals out of the operation and what your expected results are.

The doctor will perform some tests to see if your eyes are in good shape, check your vision, and make sure that you do not have any diseases that can prevent you from undergoing the surgery.

Avoid alcohol and smoking for a period of time before the surgery, they can cause many bleeding problems and are bad to your overall health especially after the operation.

Prepare some time off work; you will need this time to heal and relax.

On the night of the operation make sure that you get a good night of sleep so that you can rest your eyes and go without wearing any make-up.

What happens during the cataract surgery ?

Choosing one type or another of the intraocular lens must be agreed between you and the ophthalmologist during the preoperative consultation according to expectations, indications and recommendations.

Laser-assisted cataract surgery is a painless, safe and quick procedure; it takes a period of 45 minutes to an hour to be done.

The doctor starts by creating entry routes through the cornea for the use of instruments.

The circular opening of the posterior lens capsule or capsulorhexis.

After that comes the division of the contents of the cataract through small fragments which facilitate the use of ultrasound.

Although the use of ultrasound for cataract extraction is not eliminated, it does decrease the energy required for application, which results in faster visual recovery.

The precision and safety of these laser-assisted maneuvers are superior to what surgeons can achieve.

What happens during the post-operative period of the cataract surgery ?

After the operation it’s normal to notice some redness in your eyes and feel a slight itchiness and may even notice some clear discharge coming out.

This will all go away in about a week, and your doctor will give you eye drops to manage the discomfort.

The doctor will give you an eye dressing to protect your eyes during the day, you can take them off in the evening before bed but you should keep the plastic eye protection that will be given to you.

Avoid getting soap or shampoo into your eyes during the first week of your healing process and avoid swimming and any physically demanding activities like lifting heavy weights.

What are the results of cataract surgery ?

In the vast majority of cases (95%) and like the LASIK surgery in Tunisia, cataract surgery in Tunisia is a total success.

Your vision improves very markedly, and an appropriate correction by glasses is prescribed after 2 to 4 weeks depending on the patient.

What are the risks of cataract surgery ?

Although cataract surgery is one of the safest and most efficient eye operations with a high success rate, it still comes with some risks that you need to know about.

These risks are very rare and mild if they happen, you and your doctor will talk about them more when you meet up with them for your check up appointment.

Some of the risks of cataract surgery are:

• Blurred vision.
• Swelling of the retina.
• Pain
• Itchiness.
• Allergic reaction to the drops
• High pressure in the eye.

Your doctor will instruct you on how to avoid these risks and how to manage them when they happen, if you feel any major discomfort make sure that you call them.