Cataract Surgery

About the Procedure

Cataract surgery is performed by an opthalmologist and is used to restore useful vision to patients whose lens has been either partially or totally obscured by a cataract. The process begins with an incision on the eye to grant access to the clouded lens. The lens is removed in one of a variety of different fashions and an artificial intra-ocular lens (IOL) is inserted in the original lens' place. The eye is then closed up, sometimes without the need for sutures and the process is complete.

The specifics of the operation depend on the method used. The most advanced and most common form of cataract surgery is called Phacoemulsification. It is a minimally invasive variation on the previously applied method, extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE). Both involve making an incision on the cornea or sclera in order to reach the capsular bag where the cataract affected lens is.

The primary difference between the two procedures is that ECCE requires a much larger incision since the lens must be manually cut out in full and removed. In the more advanced phacoemulsification procedure, an ultrasonic device is used to break down and liquify the lens, allowing it to then be removed with a small suction tube. This makes the lens removal possible with a much smaller incision, typically less than 2mm in length. Such an incision can be closed without the use of sutures which generally leads to shorter healing times.

In developed countries, phacoemulsification is the standard process, though in less developed nations, ECCE is still the most widely used method.

What to Know Before the Procedure

It is important to discuss any other vision related issues you have with your doctor. The existence of issues besides cataract may be solvable through a single joint operation. Additionally, there are a wide variety of different IOL's designed to correct other common vision ailments such as astigmatism and presbyopia. Talk to your doctor about whether these types of lenses would be a good fit for you. Keep in mind that some may not be implantable if you are undergoing phacoemulsification due to the small incision size associated with the procedure.

Consider your different options for anesthesia carefully. Local anesthesia is less invasive and carries fewer complications than general anesthesia, but it means you will be awake during the procedure. Due to the nature of the surgery, you will have full vision of the operating area and this may be phsycologically uncomfortable or even harmful for some patients. Be sure to go over the potential risks with your doctor before making this choice.

Be aware that if you are suffering from a cataract in both eyes, they cannot be operated on at once. It is best to wait 1-2 months before having a second cataract surgery after the first.

What to Know After the Procedure

Most cataract patients will see an improvement in their vision within 24 hours. It is generally safe to return to normal daily activities immediately after cataract surgery, though strenuous activity should be avoided for about a week to give the implanted lens the opportunity to properly settle in your eye and acclimate with the surrounding tissue.

You will be prescribed eye medication in the form of drops to be taken daily. This will help your eye remain free of infection. Though some discharge, itchiness and pain are normal, pain relievers are not typically subscribed since over the counter pain medication suffices for most patients.

There exists a small chance that the IOL will become misaligned in your eye. In the event you experience a sudden loss of focus in the eye that was operated on, inform your doctor immediately as a follow up procedure may be necessary in order to correct it.

If you Need to Travel Outside of your Local Hospital

Since the surgery allows the patient to resume normal activity right away, this procedure travels extraordinarily well, allowing you to choose from a wide variety of locations to have it done, both domestic and foreign. Keep in mind that due to the advanced nature of phacoemulsification, it may not be available in all markets. Should you travel abroad to have the surgery done, make sure that the country you are going to has the correct facilities for the procedure you desire.