TYPES OF SURGERY:

1. Extracapsular Cataract Extraction (ECCE):

In this form of surgery, the eye is opened through an incision of 12 – 15 mm size in the upper part of cornea, cataract is removed and Intra Ocular lens (IOL) is placed within the capsular bag (outer most transparent layer of original lens). The wound is closed with sutures.

Post Operative care:

Patients have to avoid watching Television and reading for nearly a month.
Patients should not sleep on the operated side for nearly one month.
Patients should avoid straining and lifting heavy objects for nearly a month.

2. Phacoemulsification:

This technique has produced a revolution in cataract surgery. In this procedure, through a very small incision (2.5 mm), a probe is introduced into the eye, and lens is fragmented into small parts by ultrasound wave emitted through the probe and aspirated. Foldable IOLs can be inserted through this very small incision. No sutures are required in this procedure.

Post operative care:

Patient can start reading and watching Television within 2-3 days.
Patient can go back to their routine work within 2-3 days.

IOLs after Phaco surgery

1. Rigid IOLs: The diameter of rigid Lenses is 5 to 5.5mm. So this can be inserted after enlarging the incision initially made although no sutures are required.

2. Foldable IOLs: These Lenses are made up of special materials so that they can be folded and inserted into the eye through the very small incision (2.5mm). They get unfolded once they enter the eye. No sutures are required

3. Multifocal IOLs: Usually the lenses implanted after cataract surgery are mainly useful for distant vision. For near vision and reading, patients have to wear glasses. With Multifocal Lenses, patients can see both near and distant vision without glasses after surgery.