With
over 1.5 million cataract surgeries being conducted in the US
annually, it is one of the safest and effective operations. It
involves the removal of the natural eye lens that has opacified. It
occurs due to the metabolic changes in the eye’s crystalline lens
fiber. This results in dull color vision, difficulty with glare,
increased nearsightedness, blurred vision or total loss of vision.
A study compiled by the American Academy of Ophthalmology
reported that cataract affects approximately 22 million Americans
aged 40 or more. Further, more than half the American population gets
affected by the condition as they reach 80 years of age. The direct
medical cost associated with the treatment is nearly $ 6.8 billion
per year.
Types of Cataract Surgery
A
cataract surgery is performed by an ophthalmologist, who replaces the
natural lens of the eye with artificial intraocular lens. The
operation, performed under local anesthesia, has very low
complication rate. Over 90% of these operations successfully restore
better vision. The three main techniques of cataract operation are:
Phacoemulsification
A
small incision is made near the cornea or on the surface of the eye
with the help of an operating microscope. This is followed by the
insertion of a thin ultrasound probe in the eye. The probe dissolves
the clouded lens (phacoemulsify) with the help of ultrasonic
vibrations. It then suctions out the tiny fragmented pieces of the
lens. After the removal, an artificial lens is placed inside the
eye. The whole process is usually completed in less than 30 minutes.
It involves minimal sedation, no stitches and no after surgery eye
patch.
Extracapsular Surgery
This
procedure is used for treating advanced stages of the condition that
cannot be cured with phacoemulsification. A 10 to 12 mm long incision
is made inside the sclera or cornea. The larger incision allows the
cataract to be removed without getting fragmented. After their
removal, an artificial lens is positioned inside the eye. However,
the visual recovery is comparatively slower than phacoemulsification.
Intracapsular Cataract Surgery
This
surgical technique involves the removal of the complete lens and the
surrounding capsule. The intraocular lens is placed in front of the
iris. The technique is used very rarely due to the high risk of
complication. However, it can be effective in severe cases of trauma.
With the latest medical and surgical advancements, cataract
operation has become one of the most successful and sophisticated
procedures. To know more about the condition and surgery, visit
2020eyesite.com. Laser Eye Center has been providing effective vision
correction solutions since 1992.
