Cataract Eye Surgery

Cataracts occur when the lens of the eye becomes clouded, resulting in decreased vision that gets progressively worse over time. Many patients opt for cataract eye surgery to improve their vision. Please read on to find out about cataract removal, the types of cataract surgery procedures available, and lens replacement.

Cataract Removal

Surgical cataract removal is usually optional. It is done primarily to improve vision and quality of life. In most cases, the decision to have cataract surgery is entirely the patient’s.

More rarely, a cataract may impair the treatment of other eye problems. If this is the case, a physician may recommend surgery. Other possible cataract treatment options include stronger glasses or bifocals. Patients should discuss these alternatives to cataract eye surgery with their ophthalmologists in order to make the most informed decisions regarding their treatment.

Cataract eye surgery involves the removal of the natural, clouded lens of the eye and its subsequent replacement with a clear, artificial lens. The cataract surgery procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis. The entire cataract surgery usually takes less than an hour. There are several variations in both the removal and the replacement portions of the surgery. The technique used depends on the patient's needs and the physician's diagnosis, as well as the type of cataract involved.

Types of Cataract Surgery

There are two main types of cataract surgery that physicians perform: extracapsular and intracapsular.

Extracapsular Surgery

The extracapsular cataract eye surgery procedure involves the removal of the lens, leaving the capsule in place. This provides added support and improves the healing ability of the eye. The most commonly performed type of extracapsular cataract surgery in the United States is phacoemulsification. Phacoemulsification softens and breaks apart the lens using ultrasound technology.

After phacoemulsification is achieved, the cataract surgery is completed with the removal of the lens, leaving the capsule in place.

Intracapsular Surgery

Intracapsular cataract eye surgery involves the removal of the entire lens, including the capsule. This is a less frequently performed type of cataract surgery procedure due to increased complications associated with it, including heightened risks of retinal detachment and swelling.

Lens Replacement

Intraocular lenses (IOLs) replace the natural lens within the lens capsule. They are inserted through a small incision and unfolded inside the eye. Approximately 90 percent of cataract surgery patients are fitted with IOL brands such as ReSTOR®, ReZoom™ and crystalens®.

After cataract surgery with implantable lenses, glasses or contact lenses are needed in only about 10 percent of the cases. Cataract eye surgery patients who are extremely nearsighted may find that they still need to use glasses or contact lenses to improve their vision.

Find a Doctor Who Can Perform Cataract Surgery

If you are interested in undergoing cataract eye surgery and would like to find out more about cataract removal and lens replacement options, please contact a cataract surgeon in your area through DocShop.