Everything You Need to Know About Types of Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery is performed to remove the clouded lens of your eye and replace it with an artificial lens, called ‘intraocular’ lens. Cataract formation leads to blurred vision, among other issues. A cataract operation may also be prescribed when any other treatment of the eye is required and examination is difficult due to such blurred vision.

Cataract surgery is performed to remove the clouded lens of your eye and replace it with an artificial lens, called ‘intraocular’ lens. Cataract formation leads to blurred vision, among other issues. A cataract operation may also be prescribed when any other treatment of the eye is required and examination is difficult due to such blurred vision.

There may be cases wherein an individual develops cataract in both eyes simultaneously; at such times, cataract surgery is recommended a few weeks apart to avoid unnecessary complications.

Modern cataract surgery does not require prolonged hospitalisation. You are operated within a couple of hours and are simply asked to take certain precautions for a few days post the operation. You can opt from the three significant types of cataract surgery. Let us have a brief look at them:

What Is Phacoemulsification?

T Phacoemulsification, or commonly known as ‘Phaco’, is where an ultrasound device is used to break the cloudy lens. This broken lens is then removed using a suction mechanism. It requires smaller incisions and minimal sedation using local anaesthesia. Once the cloudy lens has been removed, it is replaced with an intraocular lens.

What Is Extracapsular Cataract Surgery?

Major cataract cases require the Extracapsular cataract surgery method. This type of cataract eye surgery requires a larger incision to remove the cataract. This is because the clouded lens is removed in one piece instead of being broken down as with other methods. Similar to the ‘Phaco’ method, a clear intraocular lens is put in to replace the original. One might have a slower recovery process due to the larger incision and the more intense nature of the cataract formation.

What Is Intracapsular Cataract Surgery?

A rarely used method, intracapsular surgery may be done in extreme cataract cases wherein the intraocular lens is placed in a different location in front of the iris instead of it natural lens capsule.

Alternatively, laser cataract surgery is where a laser replaces the use of ultrasound for breaking down the cataract formation. Also, the precision associated with a laser is better than other methods.

The recovery process is speedy when it comes to cataract operations. Also, here are some key points to note when you are recovering from cataract surgery:

• Immediately post the surgery, you must have someone to assist you back home as the pupil is diluted for any vision during the operation.
• For a few weeks post the operation, the patient is prescribed eye drops as well as protective eyewear. This eyewear is to avoid harsh light from entering your eye.
• Cataract surgery might cause redness and blurred vision for a few days post the operation.
• You should avoid lifting heavy weights or any activity that increases blood pressure levels.
• The operated eye should be kept out of contact of water as well as dust.

Selecting the right lens to replace your blurred vision is a crucial part of the cataract surgery. A cataract operation may be somewhat expensive depending on the type of medical facility and intraocular lens one opts for. Buying health insurance plans that cover the necessary treatment can prove to be beneficial here. Leading insurers offer a health cover for cataract treatments. Selecting an insurance policy that suits your needs is thus imperative to mitigating future emergencies.

You can get more information on various treatments like cataract surgery, coronary angiography, angioplasty etc. by browsing our list of health insurance blog