VISION CARE IN PAPHOS
Cataract surgery is the most commonly performed eye operation and one of the most effective ways to restore clear vision. When cataracts begin to interfere with daily activities, surgery replaces the clouded natural lens with a clear artificial lens, often improving vision significantly. For cataract surgery in Paphos, Dr Valentina Stavrou provides thorough assessment, surgical planning based on your visual needs, and structured follow-up care.
A cataract is a gradual clouding of the eye's natural lens. Many people first notice it as increasing blur, more glare in bright sunlight or from oncoming headlights, reduced contrast, or a feeling that vision is no longer as crisp as it once was.
Cataracts usually develop slowly. In the early stages, symptoms may be mild, but over time they can begin to interfere with reading, driving, work, and overall visual comfort.
Symptoms can develop gradually and may affect one eye more than the other.
Not every change in vision is caused by cataracts, which is why a proper eye examination matters. A comprehensive eye exam can clarify this.
Cataracts are most commonly age-related, but they may also be associated with diabetes, previous eye injury, prolonged steroid exposure, or prior eye surgery. The pace of change varies from person to person.
A careful examination helps determine whether lens changes are truly the main cause of symptoms or whether another part of the eye also needs attention.
Cataract evaluation is based on both examination findings and real-world visual function. The aim is not simply to identify changes in the lens, but to determine whether those changes explain the patient's symptoms.
Evaluation typically includes:
In some cases, additional imaging or measurements may be performed to better understand visual quality and plan treatment.
This approach ensures that treatment decisions are based on the full clinical picture, not just the presence of a cataract.
Treatment becomes appropriate when cataracts begin to meaningfully affect day-to-day activities such as driving, reading, work, or general visual confidence. The decision is individual and depends on both symptoms and examination findings.
The goal is to identify the right time for treatment rather than waiting until vision becomes severely limited. For broader symptom guidance, see When to See an Eye Doctor.
Cataract surgery involves removing the clouded natural lens through a small incision and replacing it with a clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL). The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, typically takes 15-30 minutes, and most patients return home the same day.
Modern cataract surgery is one of the safest and most effective operations in medicine, with a high success rate for improving vision.
Precise measurements of the eye are taken before surgery to select the most appropriate lens power. The artificial lens is chosen based on these measurements and your visual needs, with the aim of providing the best possible outcome for distance vision.
Dr Stavrou discusses the surgical plan with each patient so you understand what to expect before, during, and after the procedure.
Before surgery, a detailed assessment confirms that cataract surgery is appropriate and that the eye is healthy enough for the procedure. Pre-operative measurements guide lens selection.
After surgery, most patients notice improved vision within a few days. Follow-up visits monitor healing, check eye pressure, and assess visual recovery. Eye drops are prescribed for a short period to support healing.
Most patients can return to normal activities within a few days of cataract surgery. Vision continues to improve over the first few weeks as the eye heals. Driving is usually possible once vision meets the required standard, which your surgeon will advise on.
Some patients experience mild dryness or light sensitivity in the early recovery period, which typically resolves. Updated glasses may be prescribed once the eye has fully settled.
Some patients develop gradual clouding of the membrane behind the implanted lens months or years after cataract surgery. This is often called a "secondary cataract," although it is not the original cataract returning.
When it affects vision, it is treated with a quick, painless YAG laser capsulotomy in the office. Any reduction in clarity after prior cataract surgery should be properly assessed.
Cataract care
Urgent assessment is appropriate for sudden vision loss, a marked new increase in flashes or floaters, a curtain-like shadow in vision, significant eye pain, or rapidly worsening redness.
Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed and safest surgical procedures worldwide. Serious complications are rare. As with any surgery, risks are discussed during the consultation so you can make an informed decision.
The procedure itself typically takes 15-30 minutes. Including preparation and recovery time, you should expect to be at the clinic for a few hours. Most patients return home the same day.
Most patients can return to driving within a few days to a week, once vision meets the required standard. Your surgeon will advise you at your follow-up appointment.
Many patients achieve good distance vision after cataract surgery, but reading glasses are usually still needed for close work. The lens power is carefully calculated before surgery to give the best possible result.
Most patients notice improved vision within a few days. Full recovery typically takes 4-6 weeks, during which you use prescribed eye drops and attend follow-up appointments. Normal activities can usually be resumed quickly.