Cataract Operation Procedure


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Cataract operation/surgery, is carried out under a microscope in a laying position.  The pupil is dilated using eye drops, so that access to the inner eye is made easier. The eye is then left for a few minutes.  A local anaesthetic is then used to numb the area and reduce discomfort.  The anaesthetic may be injected or drops may be used.  Less commonly, a general anaesthetic is administered.  This means that you will be asleep throughout the treatment and no pain will be felt.  Once the anaesthetic has taken effect, either immediately or around half an hour later (depending on the anaesthetic), your eye is washed and your face is covered, apart from the eye area.  An eyelid holder is used to hold the eye open.  It will not be possible to see clearly out of the treated eye, but you may be aware of movement and light.  Air may be given to assist your breathing. 

In Phacoemulsification, an incision less than ¼ inch large is made on the lens and a phaco ultrasonic instrument is used to break up the lens.  Fragments are sucked away in a tube.  The surgeon leaves intact, the lens capsule or outer covering.  In Extracapsular cataract extraction, a larger incision is made and the centre (nucleus) of the lens is left in one piece and the outer lens is vacuumed out, leaving the capsule in place. 

The most common cataract operation is Phacoemulsification.  In both surgeries, once the cloudy lens is removed, a new lens (IOL) is placed through the incision. 

The length of the eyeball is measured with ultrasound and the curvature of the cornea is measured with a keratometer and from these the measurements for the correct power of the IOL is pre-calculated and the IOL is pre-made.  The IOL is usually folded when it is placed in the eye and is unfolded once it is in the eye.  The artificial lens is made from plastic or silicone and is placed in the eye, permanently. 

After the procedure, the eye may be covered with an eye patch to protect it. 

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