Cataract Surgery

What is a Cataract?

A cataract is the clouding of the normally clear, natural lens of the eye. Cataract may develop at any age – right from birth to old age – but is most commonly seen in the old after the age of 60 years. By the age of 90 years almost 98 % of people have had some degree of cataract.

What is Phacoemulsification?

Phacoemulsification is a surgical procedure done to treat cataract and is performed through a very small incision in the cornea.

How is pheacoemulsification done?

1. The surgeon first makes a small incision at the edge of the cornea and then creates an opening in the membrane that surrounds the cataractous lens. This thin membrane is called the capsule.
2. Next, a small ultrasonic probe is inserted through the opening in the cornea and capsule that emulsifies the cataract and removes the fragments
3. After removal of the cataract-damaged lens, an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) is implanted in the capsular bag of the eye.