Watch 3D Video of Cataract Surgery: How Phacoemulsification Cataract Surgery is Performed
Cataracts: A Brief Note
The cataract is the clouded area in the lens of the eye which causes poor vision. The lens of eye is situated behind the cornea, iris, and pupil. A normal human eye has clear lens. Human eye lens is just like a camera, it adjusts itself to focus the vision. Human eye lens contains water and protein.
Types of Cataracts
- Nuclear Cataracts
- Cortical cataracts
- Posterior Subcapsular Cataracts
- Congenital Cataracts
Risk Factors for Cataracts Development
- Ageing
- Alcoholism.
- Diabetes mellitus
- Excessive sunlight exposure
- Hereditary
- Recent eye injury and/or surgery.
- Smoking
Diagnostic Tests for Cataracts
- Slit-Lamp Examination
- Visual Acuity Test
- Retinal Examination
Cataract Surgery: Phacoemulsification Cataract Surgery Procedure
The protein content in the eye lens changes with age and some of the protein may clump together obstructing the vision. This condition can be treated by Phacoemulsification Cataract Surgery. Anesthesia is given around the eye. A small incision is made in the cornea of the eye and through it fluids are injected to support the surrounding structures. Top of the lens capsule is removed and the cloudy area, the cataract portion of the lens is accessed. The surgeon uses the ultrasonic waves to break up and remove the cataract. Once the cataract is removed, an intraocular lens is positioned properly into the empty lens capsule. The artificial lens (IOL) restores the patient vision after few days. All surgeries entail some or other risk. Fortunately, cataract surgery is highly successful with favorable outcomes at approximately 98%.