Cataract Surgery

Cataracts are formed when the crystalline lens in our eyes becomes cloudy due to the coagulation or clumping of proteins. This condition makes it difficult for the person to see clearly. They do not form on the surface of the eye but rather, in the eye. People with cataracts have a blurred or fuzzy vision.

Three types of Cataract Surgery

They can be classified into three types: nuclear, cortical and subscapular cataracts. Cataracts that are caused mainly by natural aging are called nuclear cataracts, where it forms in the center or the nucleus of the lens. On the other hand, a cortical cataract is one in which the cortex of the lens is the one affected by the opacity. It then spreads towards the center of the lens as it progresses. Subscapular cataracts begin behind the lens and like cortical cataracts, they are also common to diabetics.

Cataracts are caused by many factors?

Cataracts are caused by many factors: old age, uveitis (inflammation in the eye), long-term ultraviolet and infrared exposure, diabetes, poor nutrition, and eye injuries. Even prescription drugs such as steroids contribute to the development of cataracts. Cataracts obtained at birth are rarely encountered. These types are treated immediately to prevent permanent blindness.

Cataract Surgery Cost

The average cost of cataract surgery is $3000, that is, without a health insurance, but some would cost as high as $5000. The price primarily depends on the surgeon and the prescribed eyewear.

Three main types of cataract surgery

There are three main types of cataract surgery: Intracapsular cataract extraction (ICCE), extracapular cataract extraction (ECCE) and phacoemulsification. Though ICCE is an outdated form of cataract surgery, there are still some surgeons who perform it today. In this type of surgery, the lens and lens capsule are removed from the eye in one piece and are replaced by a plastic lens (intraocular lens implant or IOL). This type of surgery is rarely done because of the many complications that may develop after surgery.

Intraocular lenses

Like ICCE, ECCE is also an old technique that uses intraocular lenses. Here, the cataract is removed through a small incision in the lens capsule and the capsule and all its other attachments are left intact. Incisions of about 10 to 12 mm in length are made on the surface of the eye to remove the cataract and an IOL takes its place in the lens capsule. After the insertion of the new lens, many stitches are required to seal the wound, which can become causes of more serious complications.

Phacoemulsification (or Kelman Phacoemulsification)

Most surgeons today prefer doing Phacoemulsification (or Kelman Phacoemulsification) in surgeries. In phacoemulsification, the nucleus is removed through a smaller wound which requires fewer or no stitches at all. The surgeon makes an incision about 3mm on the cornea where a photoemulsification needle that dissolves the cataract is inserted. The needle breaks the cataract down into small pieces through high-energy ultrasound waves and sucks them out through the middle. The foldable IOL is then inserted through the cut and unfolded inside the eye. Usually, the operation lasts for twenty minutes and the patient is allowed to go home right after the surgery.

Cataract Surgery Recovery

After the operation, the patient is expected to take it easy for a few days, avoid doing strenuous activities or lifting objects that are too heavy, for it may increase the pressure in the eye and they scar may take longer to heal. Also, they are to be given anti-inflammatory eye drops to treat swollen eyes. Antibiotic eye drops are also given to prevent any infections of the eye.