|
Page: Cataract Surgery
Main article
| Home > Eye Problems > Cataract Surgery |
The most effective and common treatment is to surgically remove the cloudy lens. There are two types of surgery that can be used to remove cataracts, extra-capsular (extracapsular cataract extraction, or ECCE) and intra-capsular surgery (intracapsular cataract extraction, or ICCE). Extra-capsular surgery consists of removing the lens but leaving the majority of the lens capsule intact. High frequency sound waves (phacoemulsification) are sometimes used to break up the lens before extraction. Intra-capsular surgery involves removing the entire lens of the eye, including the lens capsule, but it is rarely performed in modern practice. In either extra-capsular surgery or intra-capsular surgery, the cataractous lens is removed and replaced with a plastic lens (an intraocular lens implant) which stays in the eye permanently.
Cataract operations are usually performed using a local anaesthetic and the patient will be allowed to go home the same day. Recent improvements in intraocular technology now allow cataract patients to choose a multifocal lens to create a visual environment where they are less dependent on glasses. Traditional intraocular lenses were monofocal. Medicare has allowed physicians, for the first time, to bill patients for this advanced lens design.
Complications after cataract surgery, including posterior capsular opacification and retinal detachment, are possible.
In ICCE there is the issue of the Jack in the box Phenomenon where the patient has to wear aphakic glasses...alternatives include contact lenses but these can prove to be high maintenance in dusty areas, which can lead to the complications of contact lenses.
|
Important notice:
The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other
qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
|