What Is Cataract Surgery All About

Cataract is a common eye-blinding, eye disease the world has known that affects the elderly population and infrequently, even children. The most effective treatment resorted to when medications do not work is by way of cataract surgery. As it is an eye-blinding affliction, it is necessary to know preventive measures and treatments as well in order to save one’s eyes. Hence, basic knowledge of what is cataract surgery is essential to all people.

Before delving into the question "What is cataract surgery?" it is vital to tackle what cataract is. Cataract is a vision impairing ailment that is manifested by having a cloudy vision. The lens functions in directing the light towards the retina where the light receptors called rods and cones are to see with clarity. Despite the fact that aging predisposes elderlies to cataract, some cases in children are not remote as caused by genetics. Other causes of cataract may include external injuries like trauma to the eyes, eye inflammation and eye surgeries.

Just what is cataract surgery capable of doing? The purpose of the surgery is to extract the opaque cataract and there are several ways to do this.

a. Phacoemulsification entails making a small incision on the lens near the cornea for the insertion of thin probe that produces ultrasonic vibrations dissolving the cataract.

b. Extracapsular Cataract Surgery is performed on more serious cases of cataract opaqueness A larger incision is required here to remove the whole lens. The process entails removing the whole lens so a larger incision is needed. An artificial lens is sutured in the place of the lens with the cataract after it is extracted. Recovery and regaining of normal vision is slower with this type of surgery.

c. Intracapsular Cataract Surgery is only done with severe cataract formation. It requires an even larger incision because the entire capsule along with the lens is removed. An intraocular lens is then placed and then sutured,

Basic knowledge about what is cataract surgery may hold a purpose but more important is knowing how it can be prevented. "An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure" is very appropriate in the face of cataract formation.

Tags: cataract surgery, phacoemulsification, cataract formation