Cataracts Treatments (Surgery)

Effective treatment for cataracts is surgery to remove the clouded lens of the eye. Cataract surgery is common and safe procedure.

Cataract surgery

Cataract surgery is a procedure to remove the lens of the eye (clouded eye lens) and, in mostly replaced with an artificial lens. Cataract surgery is performed by an eye doctor (ophthalmologist) on an out-patient basis, which means not have to stay in the hospital after surgery. This surgery is very common and a safe procedure.

Why cataract surgery is needed?

Cataract surgery is the best option to treat cataracts. Cataracts can cause blurry vision; if it becomes difficult to carry out the normal activities then cataract surgery is suggested.

If cataract interferes with the treatment of another eye problem, cataract surgery may be recommended. Common eye problem that may interfere with cataracts are age-related macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy. Since cataract makes it difficult for the eye doctor to examine the back of the eye (retina & macula).

In most cases of cataract, postponing cataract surgery would not harm the eye, so have time to consider different options. If the vision is acceptably good, then may not need cataract surgery for many years. Take decision based on these questions in mind:

• How clearly can see and able to perform safely the job and to drive?
• Does able to read, write, see faces or watch television?
• Does vision affects the level of independence?
• Whether bright light makes it hard to see?

What happens during cataract surgery?

Cataract surgery involves removal of the clouded lens and replacing it with an artificial plastic lens. This artificial lens gets sited in the same place as the natural lens and becomes part of the eye.

For some people with other eye problems stops them using an artificial lens. For them once the cataract is removed, vision can be corrected with eyeglasses or contact lenses.

Surgery is usually performed on one eye and after a few weeks other eye. Operation is performed on an outpatient basis, means not needed to stay in the hospital after surgery. During cataract surgery, eye doctor uses local anesthesia to numb the area around the eye, but the patient stay awake during the surgery. Cataract surgery is generally safe, but has the risk of infection, bleeding and increased risk of retinal detachment.

Prior to cataract surgery

Cataract surgery takes an hour or less to perform. Eye drops placed in the eye to dilate the pupil. Local anesthetic is used to numb the area, and may give a sedative to help the patient relax. If given a sedative, may make the patient remain awake, but groggy, during surgery.

During cataract surgery

During cataract surgery the clouded natural eye lens is removed and replaced with a clear artificial lens. In some cases, only clouded natural eye lens is removed without replacing it with an artificial lens.

Surgical methods used to remove cataracts include:

• Phacoemulsification – make a tiny incision in front of the eye and insert a thin needle probe, ultrasound waves are used to break (emulsify) the cataract and suck out the fragments. Lens back side is left undisturbed and used for the artificial lens to rest. To close the tiny incision stitches may or may not be used.
• Extracapsular extraction – make an incision in the eye to remove the lens. A less preferred procedure, because the incision is larger compared to phacoemulsification. Surgical tools are used through this incision to remove the cloudy lens. Lens back side is left undisturbed and used for the artificial lens to rest. Stitching is needed to close the incision.

Once the cataract has been removed by either phacoemulsification or extracapsular extraction, a clear artificial lens is implanted into the empty lens capsule. This artificial lens, known as an intraocular lens (IOL), is made of plastic, acrylic or silicone. It does not require any care and becomes a permanent part of the eye.

Varieties of IOLs available with different features

• Rigid IOL - they are rigid and implant requires several stitches to close the incision.
• Flexible IOL – they are flexible, allowing a smaller incision that requires no stitches. Surgeon can fold it and insert into the empty capsule and then unfold inside the eye.

Some types of IOLs block ultraviolet light and others work like bifocals to provide multi-focal vision for both near and distant vision. Ask the benefits and drawbacks of the different types of IOLs with the eye surgeon to determine the best.