Description of Cataract Surgery
A cataract occurs when the lens, or iris and pupil, become cloudy. The lens helps the eye adjust its sight and focuses the light at the back of the eye. The lens consists of water and protein, which sometimes clumps together to create the cloud on the lens. It can grow large enough to dim sight. Cataract surgery is a beneficial option for someone who wants to restore her eyesight.
Depending on the patient's condition, doctors will remove clouded lens and replace it with a clear artificial lens, or simply remove the cataract without need for an artificial implant. Either way, the procedure takes less than an hour.
Preparation
Eye drops help dilate the pupil. Anesthetics numb the eye. Patients receive sedatives to help them relax during the procedure, but general anesthesia is normally not given for cataract surgery.
Phacoemulsification
Phacoemulsification involves the removal of the cataract, but leaves the rear layer of the lens. A surgeon will make a small incision of about 3 mm. The surgeon will insert a needle-thin probe into the area to transmit the waves of an ultrasound. This wave breaks up the cataract; the surgeon then uses suction to remove the fragments of the cataract.
Extracapsular Cataract Extraction
Extracapsular cataract extraction is normally used when the ultrasound waves are unable to break up the proteins of a clouded lens. This procedure requires an incision of about 10 mm. The incision is made where the cornea and sclera meet. The surgeon opens the lens and removes the nucleus. This removal is not done in fragments---the surgeon vacuums out the proteins in one piece and leaves the capsule.
An artificial lens is placed into the empty lens capsule, but requires no regular care. Many lenses are flexible, so the patient won't feel its presence.
Post-Op
The incisions made on the eye are small and some sutures are necessary. Vision normally begins to improve after a few days.
Patients typically follow up with their doctors the day after the surgery, and also at one week, and then one month post-op. Antibiotic drops will be prescribed after cataract surgery to prevent infection.
Healing Tips
Healing of the cataract normally occurs within eight weeks of surgery. The pain and discomfort from the surgery normally subsides after a few days.
Some itching and feeling of discomfort is normal after surgery, but it is important to avoid rubbing or pressing on your eye, as this can cause damage. Clean the eyelid gently to remove discharge.
Tags: after days, after surgery, artificial lens, cataract surgery, clouded lens
