Cataracts are a common cause of reversible blindness. Some cataracts are age related while others develop due to trauma, congenital reasons, or as a symptom of a medical condition. If you’re diagnosed with cataracts, your ophthalmologist can recommend surgery. Cataract surgery is common, safe, and commonly successful. Here’s an overview of the different cataract surgeries and how to determine the best procedure for your needs:
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ToggleTypes of Cataract Surgery
Phacoemulsification, femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS), and extracapsular cataract extraction are the three surgeries used to remove cataracts. During phacoemulsification, the surgeon creates a tiny incision in the cornea and inserts a microscopic probe. The probe transmits ultrasound waves that break up the cloudy lens for removal in tiny pieces.
Your lens capsule is left intact to hold the new intraocular lens. The tiny incision is self-sealing, so you won’t require sutures. FLACS involves using a laser to create an opening in the lens capsule and soften the cataract. The surgeon places a camera or ultrasound device over your eye to map out the path. This information is sent to a computer to program the incision’s location, size, and depth.
Extracapsular surgery is a less popular approach to removing cataracts. The process involves removing the cloudy lens in one piece and requires a larger incision. A surgical tool is used to remove the front capsule and cataract-inflicted lens. The back lens and capsule remain intact to support your new artificial lens. Extracapsular surgery is usually used when emulsification isn’t possible due to hard and mature cataracts.
Choosing Cataract Surgery
Cataracts are progressive (worsen over time), so their effect on your vision may be almost nonexistent in the early stages. Your surgeon can recommend other measures, such as reading glasses, sunglasses, and adjusting lighting conditions to offset early symptoms. If such interventions don’t work, the surgeon may recommend surgical removal. The type of surgery chosen depends on the surgeon’s assessment of your cataract.
Phacoemulsification is popular because of its minimally invasive nature. If your cataracts are soft and young, phacoemulsification may be the ideal procedure. Some cataracts are too complex or mature and won’t emulsify when exposed to ultrasound waves. For such cataracts, the surgeon can recommend FLACS.
Phacoemulsification and FLACS involve tiny incisions that don’t require sutures to seal. The two procedures are the most popular in modern settings and usually provide the best results. Extracapsular surgery is rarely used but may be the only viable option in some cases. The procedure is used to remove hard, mature cataracts that won’t break up into tiny pieces. Your surgeon will determine if you’re the ideal candidate for extracapsular surgery.
Scheduling Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery can replace the cloudy natural lens with a clear artificial lens to restore your vision. You can consider surgery if driving is challenging, bright lights are jarring, or reading gets hard on your eyes. Speak to experienced eye surgeons and ophthalmologists specializing in cataract eye surgeries. Your surgeon will assess the condition and determine the best surgical procedure and intraocular lens to restore your vision.
