CATARACT SURGERY

(compiled from: www.flyfreefor health.com)

A cataract is a condition in which the crystalline lens of the eye becomes opaque, preventing sufficient light rays from entering the eye, hence impairing vision. Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in the world and they develop fo a number of reasons:
1. Prolonged exposure to UV light,
2. long-term use of certain medications,
3. hypertension
4. old age
5. secondary effect of diseases such as diabetes, to mention a few.
6. In the young, cataracts can be present at birth or can develop as a result of injury.
The most common and advanced cataract surgery technique is phacoemulsification (performed as a day/ambulatory surgery). In phacoemulsification, a handled instrument driven by ultrasound is used to emulsify and aspirate the cataract lens out of the eye through an incision as tiny as 1.8 mm. The instrument has metallis tip, which vibrates at a very high speed. The device that drives this vibration is housed in a machine that controls the flow of fluid into the eye.
The entire system is important in keeping the eye stable and fluidics correct to allow the surgeon to operate safely and efficiently. The surgery is complete with less discomfort, a more rapid rehabilitation of vision and with the possibility the patient will no longer have to rely on spectacles.
Once the cataract-damaged lens has been removed, an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) is implanted. This implant measures about 12.5 mm in length; it is inert and stay in the eye forever.