What Are Cataracts?
Having cataracts is like seeing the world through a cloudy lens: Over time a cataract covers the eye, creating foggy vision and making objects appear as if they have a halo around them. Because these vision difficulties can affect a person's quality of life, cataract removal surgery is often recommended. Cataract surgery is a commonly performed procedure in the United States. While there are a few different approaches, cataract surgery shares some common processes.
Initial Incisions
The entire cataract surgery process typically takes 15 minutes, and begins with an anesthetic eye drop to numb the patient's eye. No other anesthesia is required. One small incision is made to the side of the cornea, which is the dome-shaped covering over the eye.
Cataract Removal
Next, the surgeon inserts a small probe into the incision, which uses ultrasound waves to break up the cataract. The cataract is then suctioned out of the eye via the incision. Another option is to break up the cataract by using special instruments, then creating another incision to remove these pieces from the eye.
Lens Insertion
Because the cataract affects the eye's lens, which helps the eye to focus, a surgeon will replace the lens with an artificial one, known as an intraocular lens implant (IOL). There are several different IOL options, and these are best discussed with your surgeon in order to determine the type of vision improvement (i.e., being able to see at long distances, close up, etc.) you desire. The IOL, which is made of either plastic or silicone, is then placed through the incision.
Recovery
The incision used in cataract surgery is typically self-sealing, meaning no stitches or sutures are required. A surgeon will place a protective covering over the eye in order to facilitate healing and protect the eye from floating dust and germs. This eye shield should be worn while sleeping in order to protect the eye from damage. Medicated eye drops should also be used daily in order to cleanse the eye and prevent infection while the incision site is healing.
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