The Types of Cataract Removal Procedures and Their Risks

A cataract is a problem in the eye that affectsmanually or by phacoemulsification or the process
the lens. At first, cataract is not a noticeableof breaking it using localized high-pitched sound
problem for someone but as the opacitywaves.
increases and spreads, light cannot pass through.Once the process is done, it is then irrigated and
That is why there is a change in vision and mayaspirated. The cortex is removed but the
lead to significant loss of sight. This kind of eyeposterior capsule is left intact behind the iris. This
condition develops from a lot of reasons. Trauma,bag is the supporting structure into which a
glaucoma, radiation, genetics and long term use ofposterior chamber intraocular lens is placed. This
steroidal medications have caused this eyeremaining posterior capsule prevents forward
condition. No matter what the causes are themovement of the vitreous. With intracapsular
treatments for cataract are all similar. The patientcataract extraction, the entire lens is removed
will undergo an eye examination before an eyeand the zonules give way, releasing the entire
cataract surgery.capsule while leaving no remaining supporting
If cataracts occur bilaterally, surgery is usuallystructure behind the iris. The possibility of forward
performed first on the more advanced cataract.movement of the anterior vitreal face exists and
Cataract removal procedure involves the removalthe incision must be as large as the lens.
of the crystalline lens which creates a conditionComplications are rare for extracapsular
called aphakia. The best visual acuity is only 20extraction. Its main complication is rupture of the
400 and necessitates lens replacement, which canposterior capsule with vitreous loss. If the capsule
be accomplished with cataract glasses, contactis ruptured during the procedure, a backup
lenses or an intraocular lens implant. The adventanterior chamber lens may need to be implanted.
of intraocular lens has made cataract extractionThe most serious complication with intracapsular is
with implants one of the most successful cataractforward movement of the vitreous into the
removal surgeries today in terms of curing aanterior chamber, which interferes with healing
visual impairment. The excellent visual rehabilitationand can lead to retinal disorders. Other cataract
has greatly increased the visual expectations ofremoval risks include adhesions, secondary
old age.glaucoma and infection.
Cataracts are removed either by extracapsularMedications help control certain risks. Activity
cataract extraction or intracapsular cataractrestrictions are imposed to help control the risk of
extraction. The first one is in current use becausehemorrhage and increased intraocular pressure
it requires a much smaller corneal incision. Thiswith wound rupture and suture separation. Certain
reduces healing time and complications and leavesactivities like too much reading, heavy lifting and
the posterior capsule intact, thereby protectingstraining, violent coughing or sneezing, jerky
the vitreous and retina. An instrument is insertedmovements, jolting activities, bending head lower
through the incision to remove the anterior centralthan waist, and any activities that causes blood to
portion of the capsule. The nucleus is beingrush to the head are prohibited.
removed by being expressed in one piece