Cataracts are areas of the eye’s lens that are opaque or clouded. Vision may be impaired in these cloudy regions.
Cataract formation is gradual. It typically appears in individuals aged 55 and older but can also develop in younger individuals.
Although Cataracts cannot be prevented, surgical removal and replacement with a synthetic lens is the best option.
This article discusses the types of Cataract surgery and the potential risks and complications.
Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is usually done with local anesthesia (a numbing gel) placed in the eye and light intravenous sedation.
A small incision is made to remove the Cataract, but the incision is so small that it usually does not require stitches.
Once the natural lens has been removed, an Intraocular Lens (IOL) is inserted. The new lens will not affect your vision or sensation.
By precisely concentrating light onto the retina, the IOL enhances vision. Phacoemulsification (a type of ultrasound) is the most common method to remove the
cataract.
Below, we have discussed Phacoemulsification and some other types of Cataract surgery.
To explore more Cataract treatment options, read Clearing the Haze: An Overview of Cataract Treatment
Types of Cataract Surgery
The three types of Cataract surgery include Phacoemulsification, Extracapsular surgery, and Femtosecond laser.
Your doctor can help you determine which surgery would suit you.
Phacoemulsification (Phaco)
A small incision is made on the side of the cornea. It is the clear, dome-shaped surface covering the eye’s front.
The doctor inserts a tiny probe into your eye. The ultrasound waves from the device soften and break up the lens. Then, the broken lens is removed by suction.
Extracapsular surgery
In Extracapsular surgery, a longer incision is made on the side of the cornea. Then, the cloudy core of the lens is removed in one piece. At the same time, the rest of the lens is removed by suction.
Femtosecond laser
It is another option for your doctor to use during Cataract surgery.
Femtosecond laser is an FDA-approved, computer-guided laser programmed by the surgeon.
This device can help the surgeon perform the required steps to help remove Cataracts.
It can also be used in procedures done to correct Astigmatism.
Astigmatism is an eye condition with irregularity in the cornea’s curvature.
Types of Lenses for Cataract Surgery
Source: FabrikaCR_from_Getty_ImagesWhile all Intraocular Lenses are used to restore clarity of vision, many Intraocular Lens implant choices are available.
Some common IOLs include standard lenses, premium and Toric IOLs, etc.
Standard Lens Implants
These lens implants are monofocal, designed to correct the vision at one definite focal length.
Patients using IOLs that correct distant vision in both eyes will likely need reading glasses.
Certain patients choose an Intraocular Lens (IOL) that corrects their near vision in one eye and distance vision in the other.
Premium IOLs
These include the Presbyopia-correcting IOLs and the Toric IOLs. The decision to use these lenses must be made on an individual basis.
- Presbyopia-correcting intraocular lenses are designed to correct both distance and near vision. The intended goal of these lenses is to decrease the need for glasses.
- Toric intraocular lenses are used for those patients with Astigmatism. Toric IOLs are made to correct distance vision and Astigmatism.
Presbyopia: As you age, your eyes slowly lose the ability to focus on things up close, called Presbyopia.
Some people cannot have an IOL in their eyes, as they may have some eye disease or other problems during surgery.
Glasses or soft contact lenses that provide high magnification may be prescribed to such patients.
To explore more about types of lenses for Cataract surgery, read Exploring the Diverse Types of Lenses for Cataract Surgery.
Side Effects of Cataract Surgery
Source: Siganture_imagesCataract surgery can cause some side effects, which vary in how bad the side effects are and how long they last.
People may have regular, short-term side effects like being sensitive to light, blurry vision, and dry eyes after Cataract surgery.
Some people may have side effects that aren’t common, like getting an illness, bleeding, or swelling in the eye.
Some of the long-term effects of the surgery are lens misalignment or inflammation that doesn’t go away.
Consult a doctor before undergoing any type of Cataract surgery to avoid any side effects.
If you want to learn more about side effects of Cataract Surgery, read Safeguarding Sight: Unveiling the Side Effects of Cataract Surgery.
Conclusion
A popular and highly effective treatment for Cataract-related vision loss is Cataract surgery.
Various types of Cataract surgery, including Phacoemulsification, Extracapsular surgery, and Femtosecond laser, are available.
Selecting the most suitable IOL is important for optimal outcomes.
Patients can choose from standard lenses to premium IOLs like Presbyopia-correcting and Toric lenses based on their needs.
While Cataract surgery is an effective solution, it may have some potential side effects, like sensitivity to light, blurry vision,etc.
Consult an ophthalmologist for a proper diagnosis, and choose the right type of Cataract surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Phacoemulsification or laser Cataract surgery?
Some studies show that conventional phacoemulsification Cataract surgery and laser surgery have similar outcomes. The recovery time for both types of surgery is similar. However, the final results may vary among individuals.
What are the three different types of Cataracts?
The three main types of Cataracts are Cortical, Nuclear Sclerotic, and Posterior Subcapsular. Cataracts are categorized based on where and how they develop in the eye.
What type of Cataract surgery is best?
Laser-assisted Cataract surgery is the latest and most advanced method of performing Cataract surgery. Many ophthalmologists prefer laser Cataract surgery over traditional Cataract surgery as a pre-treatment to ‘soften’ Cataracts.
Which eye lens is better after Cataract surgery?
The choice of lens depends on your needs. A monofocal lens might be best for you if you’re okay with wearing glasses after Cataract surgery. A Toric lens may be suitable if you have Astigmatism and wish to avoid wearing distance glasses following Cataract surgery.
Which type of Cataract is most common?
Cataracts can be caused by several factors like age, injuries, or changes in the body’s metabolism. Most people get Cataract surgery as they get older, and the cause is complicated and not fully known.
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