Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is a precise and technically demanding procedure.
Cataract surgery is microsurgery, which means that it is performed
under a high-powered operating microscope
(See
Photo).
This surgery is one of the most commonly performed
surgical procedures in this country. It is also one of the most
successful procedures. It is usually performed as an outpatient
procedure, which means that you do not have to stay in the hospital
overnight.
Your doctor will first numb the eye with topical anesthetic drops.
Sometimes an anesthetic injection is required. Your doctor will make
a tiny incision, approximately 1/5" in or next to the cornea of your
eye. This is called a "clear corneal" incision. The doctor will then
use an ultrasound-powered instrument to liquify and remove your
cataract. This part of the procedure is called phacoemulsification (See
Photo). Researchers are experimenting with lasers to remove
cataracts, but laser cataract removal currently offers no advantage
over phacoemulsification.
When the cataract has been removed, your doctor will implant a new
lens into your eye (See Photo). This
new lens is made of plastic. Sometimes a foldable plastic lens is
used so that the initial incision does not have to be enlarged (See
Photo). The advantage of keeping the incision small is a more
rapid healing time, and a quicker recovery from the procedure. Once
placed into the eye, the lens is unfolded and placed in proper
position (See Photo).
Frequently, no stitches are needed to close the incision in the
cornea. Your doctor will place a shield or protective glasses over
the operated eye before you go home. In most cases, you can resume
normal activity as early as the next day. Drops will be prescribed
to prevent infection and inflammation in the eye, and your doctor
will give you detailed instructions regarding postoperative
follow-up examinations.
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