What Does Cataract Surgery Entail?

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Thankfully, with the invention of Crystalens and other IOLs, that has mostly been discarded. Before we get to the procedural aspect of cataract surgery, though, let's go over a few keys phrases that will make everything more understandable.



· IOL - an acronym for IntraOcular Lens (a lens inside the eye)

· Intraocular lens - an implantable lens used to replace old or diseased natural eye lens

· Cataract - a clouding of the normally clear crystalline lens

· Crystalline lens - a flexible, transparent structure that is located behind the iris and focuses light rays onto the retina

· Retina - a membrane that lines the inside of the back of the eye; it contains light-sensitive nerve cells that convert focused light into nerve impulses

· Accommodative - the ability your eye has to quickly refocus from one distance to other



Now let's take a look at the types of implantable IOLs available. Currently, there are 3 primary lenses used in cataract surgery. Two are non-accommodative, so they only provide monovision. The other is the Crystalens and is accommodative, allowing you to see at all distances.



Cataract surgery is actually fairly simple in nature. Basically, the damaged original lens is replaced with an FDA-approved artificial lens restoring crystal clear vision. In a matter of about 15 minutes, the procedure is complete and the patient is on their way to clearer vision again.



First, the surgeon takes very careful measurements of the eye so that precision placement of the implantable lens can be done.



Then, numbing drops are placed in the eye. No needle here!



Next, a very small incision is made in the side of the cornea. This provides a quicker and more comfortable healing process.



A specially-designed ultrasonic probe is then used to disintegrate the diseased or damaged lens. It is carefully suctioned out through the tiny incision.



The foldable implantable lens is inserted, again through the tiny incision, and, with great attention for accuracy, placed precisely where it needs to be.



That's it. The tiny incision is self-healing so no stitches are required! Vision starts to improve just minutes after surgery. No more cloudy-looking friends or family. No more struggling to read a newspaper or your favorite book. Just like the song says, "I can see clearly now..." except it's the cataract that's gone, rather than the rain.



Cataracts are not something to fear any more. However, it is recommended that you get your eyes checked regularly so that any problem can be diagnosed early. If you should happen to develop a cataract, at least you know that the treatment will be short, sweet and nothing something to be worried about.