Cataract surgery is a procedure to remove the cloudy lens (cataract) from the eye and replace it with an artificial lens (intraocular lens or IOL) to restore clear vision. Cataracts are a common age-related condition that can cause blurriness, glare, and difficulty seeing at night.
The key steps of the procedure include:
- Pre-operative preparation: Before the surgery, the patient will undergo a thorough eye examination to determine the type and extent of cataract, as well as to check for any other eye conditions that may affect the surgery.
- Anaesthesia: The patient will be given local anaesthesia in the form of eye drops or injections to numb the eye and keep them comfortable during the procedure.
- Incision: The surgeon will make a small incision on the front of the eye, usually less than 2mm, through which they will use ultrasonic waves to break up and remove the cloudy lens.
- Implantation of IOL: After the cataract is removed, the surgeon will then place the new intraocular lens (IOL) into the eye. The IOL will then be positioned in the same spot as the original lens, in the same place behind the iris and pupil.
- Closure: The incision will be closed using sutures or a special adhesive and is self-sealing, so no stitches are required.
- Post-operative care: After the surgery, the patient will be monitored for any complications, and they will be given instructions on how to care for their eye and manage any discomfort or pain. They will also be given eye drops to prevent infection and inflammation. The patient will need to follow up with the surgeon for post-operative visits in the weeks after the surgery.
It’s important to note that cataract surgery is a safe and effective procedure and recovery times may vary depending on the individual, the type of surgery and the overall health condition of the patient. Also, the procedure may be performed as a manual or femtosecond laser assisted surgery.
