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Get the Facts on:
Modern No-Stitch Cataract Surgery
Multifocal and Toric lens implants for Cataract Surgery
Children’s Eye Care and Strabismus Surgery
How to help your child wear an eye patch to treat amblyopia
Glaucoma Diagnosis and Treatment
MODERN NO-STITCH CATARACT SURGERY
Advanced Cataract Surgery
Based upon the results of your recent eye examination, your doctor has determined that you have a cataract. Although it's a condition that requires surgery in which the cataract will be removed, having a cataract is nothing to be overly alarmed about. You probably have many questions regarding the procedure and what options you have available. This brochure will help to shed some light on the procedure that will start you on your way to improved vision.
What is a cataract?
A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear, natural crystalline lens in your eye. This clouding is usually due to the aging process but can also be caused by eye trauma, heredity, diabetes, and even some medications. Whatever the cause, cataracts typically result in blurred or fuzzy vision and sensitivity to light.
Cataract formations occur at different rates and can affect one or both of your eyes at the same time. Fortunately, with modern medical technology, your cataract can be treated safely and effectively through a microsurgical technique. In fact, cataract surgery is one of the most successful surgical procedures performed today-about 95% of all cataract surgeries result in an improvement in vision.
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| Normal Vision | Cataract Impaired Vision |
| Photos courtesy of Alcon Labs., Inc. | |
The best way to treat your cataract is to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with a new, clear artificial lens. This can be accomplished two ways. The first technique, called extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE), involves removing the cloudy lens in one piece. This technique requires a large incision of 10 to 12 millimeters in length.
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| Phaco Probe Photo courtesy of Alcon Labs., Inc. |
The second technique is the latest advance in cataract removal. It's called phacoemulsification, or phaco. In phaco surgery, a small ultrasonic probe is inserted into the eye. This probe breaks (emulsifies) the cloudy lens into tiny pieces and gently sucks (aspirates) those pieces out of the eye. Phaco requires a small incision of only 2.75 millimeters or less. Your surgeon will determine which method is most appropriate for your condition.
Whichever technique is used to remove your cataract,
anesthesia will be a necessary part of the procedure. Two types of
anesthesia, local or topical, are used in most cataract cases.
Anesthesia
Local anesthesia eliminates any sensation of pain and prevents movement of the eye during surgery. Topical anesthesia is administered by placing drops on your eye. It eliminates any sensation of pain but does not prevent your eye from moving around. Both types of anesthesia leave you fully awake and aware during the operation. The type of anesthesia that the surgeon will choose for you will depend on the technique your surgeon chooses and the condition of your eye.
Incision
In order to remove the cataract and replace it with a new lens, your doctor will make an incision in your eye. Where the incision is made and how large it will be depends on the technique (ECCE or phaco) your surgeon chooses for you.
Incisions can be made in either of two places in your eye-clear cornea or the sclera. The cornea is the transparent area of your eye over the iris and pupil. The sclera is often referred to as the white part of your eye.
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| 6 mm Conventional Incision | 2.75 mm Advanced Incision |
| Photos courtesy of Alcon Labs., Inc. | |
The ECCE removal technique requires a large incision in the sclera. The phaco technique requires a smaller incision in either the sclera or clear cornea. Smaller incisions usually result in little discomfort during or after surgery, often do not require stitches, can aid in reducing astigmatism, and may provide a faster postoperative recovery period.
Replacement Lenses
Once the cataract removal part of the procedure is completed, your doctor will have to replace it with a permanent, artificial lens called an intraocular lens, or IOL.
There are two types of lOLs available-nonfoldable and foldable. Nonfoldable lenses are made of PMMA, a hard plastic material first used as an IOL in 1979. Foldable lenses are made of either silicone or acrylic.
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| Nonfoldable and foldable IOLs Photo courtesy of Alcon Labs., Inc. |
With the recent advance of foldable lOLs, lenses can be implanted through the same small incision that is created in the phaco procedure. These lOLs are made of a flexible material allowing them to be folded for implantation. Once inside the eye, the lens unfolds and returns to its original shape. Several different IOL materials are available today.
The latest advance in foldable lOLs are the ACRYSOF? Acrylic Foldable Intraocular Lens, Staar Surgical Collimer lens, Several foldable Toric lenses to treat astigmatism, and AMO Rezoom multifocal and Alcon RESTOR multifocal. ACRYSOF is made of an inert material that is very compatible with eye tissue.
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| Folded IOL In Incision | Unfolded IOL In The Eye |
| Photos courtesy of Alcon Labs., Inc. | |
Toric IOLs and LIMBAL RELAXING INCISIONS can correct astigmatism. You can talk to either Dr. John or Patrick Costello about your astigmatism and how it can be dealt with during cataract surgery to decrease your dependence on spectacles.
See our section on multifocal lenses on the Procedures and Services page to find out more about this type of lens implant.
After Your Surgery
One of the benefits of today's small incision cataract procedures is that you will be able to return home soon after your surgery. When your procedure is complete, your doctor may or may not apply a patch over your eye. Before you leave, you will be given instructions on how to care for your eye, including information on any medications that may be required. You should be able to resume your normal activities shortly after your surgery.
In time, improvement in your vision will continue as your eye recuperates from surgery. Your doctor will schedule follow-up appointments, as needed, to check on your visual recovery progress.
Your Future Vision
Today, advancements in small incision surgery provide you with the most effective method of restoring your vision in the treatment of cataracts. Your doctor uses the latest state-of-the-art techniques, equipment, and intraocular lenses to provide you with a safe, fast and effective outcome.
- The improvement in your vision will not only enhance your normal lifestyle and activities, it will also add years of enjoyment to your life. You've got a lot to look forward to!