[Actuality in cataract treatment]

Abstract

Cataract surgery improves vision by restoring eye transparency and also by correcting previous refractive defects. Surgery has only to be done when the patient's quality of life is significantly impaired by vision troubles. Among patients with cognitive and behaviour troubles (i.e Alzheimer disease), surgery may improve cognitive scores, and autonomy. Multifocal intraocular lenses are sometimes indicated for correcting presbyopia. However, impairment of contrast sensitivity is constant, among adverse effects causing sometimes dissatisfaction. Therefore "monovision", with monofocal intraocular lenses may be proposed, in order to manage the loss of accommodation constant after cataract surgey. Patient's satisfaction level is high when the dominant eye is dedicated to far vision, and the other eye to near vision. Combining femtosecond laser technology and cataract surgery may in the future improve reproductibility and surgical outcomes, but is not currently responsible for obvious therapeutic benefits.