The cataract surgery involves removal of part of the opacified lens is to restore vision to the eye. In general, it tends to be replaced by an artificial lens that is placed in the same place as the original lens (intraocular lens), or restoring the vision that had been lost as a result of the cataracts .
Summary
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- 1 Reasons why the procedure is performed
- 2 How the test is performed
- 1 Extracapsular cataract surgery
- 2 Cataract surgery by phacoemulsification
- 3 Risks
- 4 Forecast
- 5 Side effects of surgery
- 1 Transient side effects
- 2 Definitive side effects
- 6 Sources
Reasons why the procedure is performed
The purpose of cataract surgery is to remove the opaque lens and replace it with an artificial lens to restore clear vision. The doctor may recommend cataract removal surgery if the person has loss of vision or other visual problems caused by clouding of the lens. Cataracts usually do not harm the eye, so surgery can be done when practical for the patient.
How the test is performed
Using a very powerful microscope , the ophthalmic surgeon will make a very small incision in the eye and then remove the cataract. This can be removed basically in 2 ways, depending on the type of cataract that the patient has.
Extracapsular cataract surgery
Extracapsular cataract surgery is the “traditional” way in which a broad incision is made with a scalpel. The nucleus of the opaque lens is removed, and an intraocular lens is placed in its place.
Cataract surgery by phacoemulsification
Phacoemulsification cataract surgery is the technique where a mini incision of just 2.4 mm is made. long and with an ultrasound tip whose tip measures less than 1 mm. the cataract is fragmented and aspirated. Subsequently, a folding intraocular lens is placed.
The ophthalmologist will close the incision with very small sutures or use a self-sealing method (without sutures). If sutures are placed, they may need to be removed later. Cataract surgery usually lasts 15-20 minutes and most of the time, it is only done in one eye. If needed in both eyes , the surgeon may recommend waiting 1 to 2 weeks before operating on the other eye.
Risks
Like any other surgical procedure, there are risks associated with cataract surgery. Risks and complications can include:
- Infection,
- Bleeding into the eye
- Increased blood pressure inside the eye ( glaucoma )
- Inflammation of the retina
- Vision loss (partial or complete). In some cases, the part of the lens that supports the IOL (called the capsule), may become cloudy several months after the cataract has been removed. This is called “secondary cataract”. If this occurs and causes vision to be blurred, the ophthalmologist will make an opening in the center of the opaque capsule with a laser to allow light to properly pass back through the lens. This procedure, called a posterior capsulotomy, takes about five minutes.
Forecast
The prognosis for cataract surgery is usually excellent. The operation is low risk, the pain is minimal and the recovery time is short. Eyesight improves for most people.
Side effects of surgery
Cataract surgery is a highly safe intervention, but in rare cases, a well-performed technique can present certain complications.
Transient side effects
- It is usual not to see clearly during the first days or weeks. The eye recovers its definitive and stable shape after a variable period. If the eye is red, don’t panic. It is probably a small blood spill in direct relation with the surgical operation or with the infiltration of the anesthetic product, in case of local anesthesia.
- In the immediate postoperative period, the sensation of itching or of a foreign body or grit in the eye is very frequent. You should avoid rubbing and commenting on it to the surgeon without worrying too much about it.
- In the first 24 hrs sometimes intense pain appears. Often it is due to a fleeting elevation of eye strain or transient erosion of the corneal surface . The surgeon will indicate the cause when you go for a consultation. If the upper eyelid falls a little, giving the impression that the eye has become smaller, do not worry about the eyeball itself. It is a relaxation of the tissues. In some cases, care is prescribed to complement the usual care.
- Visual acuity is determined as soon as transparency is restored. The importance of vision recovery depends not only on the operation but also on the integrity of the other structures of the eye: the quality of the retina , the optic nerve , etc. which are essential elements for good visual acuity. Sometimes this data can only be analyzed and useful after the operation.
Definitive side effects
- Small particles of various shapes and aspects (black dots, commas, butterflies, etc.) can be seen in different parts of the visual field. They are the so-called floating bodies and are irrelevant if the examination shows that the retina is normal. Glare can occur, as well as weak and varied light impressions.
- The eye may become tender, often intermittently and outbreaks, with a slight redness. It is not serious and disappears in a few days. Do not hesitate to consult if you notice other disorders.
- Decreased visual acuity. There may be a loss of definition and quality of vision on the operated side several months or years later. This is often due to spontaneous opacification of the posterior capsule.
