Cataract Surgery

Question 1

Lens of the eye

Answer 1

Responsible for focusing images onto the back of the eye. Normally transparent

Question 2

Cataract

Answer 2

As a normal part of aging, the lens begins to cloud and causes a gradual, painless loss in vision

Question 3

Why might cataract removal be performed?

Answer 3

To better examine the back of the eye when monitoring for damage from certain diseases such as diabetes or glaucoma and to improve vision

Question 4

Two types of cataract removal

Answer 4

• Phacoemulsification
• Extracapsular Technique

Question 5

Phacoemulsification

Answer 5

• Majority of cataract surgeries
• Ultrasound probe breaks the cloudy lens into tiny fragments
• Fragments are vacuumed out through a tiny incision
• Intraocular lens implant is then inserted to replace the natrual lens that was removed
• Stitches are often not necessary and visual improvement is usually noted relatively soon after surgery
• Patch over the eye

Question 6

Extracapsular Technique

Answer 6

• Cataract is removed as one entire piece
• Larger incision and stitches
• Intraocular lens implant (artificial lens) is inserted to replace the natural lens that was removed
• Recovery is slower, due to larger incision
• Stitches sometimes need to be removed
• Patch over the eye