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The Procedure
What happens during the procedure
Today, cataract surgery is typically performed using a microincisional procedure. This means minimal discomfort during and after your surgery, a faster recovery of vision, and a reduced risk of any complications.
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An incision of about 3 millimeters in size is made. Because of its small size, the incision is generally self-sealing. This means that no stitches are needed. |
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| 2. |
Next an opening in the capsule is created, which is a micro-thin membrane that surrounds the cataract. This procedure is called capsulorhexus. The capsule is only about four-thousandths of a millimeter thick, and requires extraordinary precision to remove the capsule while manipulating the instruments within the anterior chamber. |
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| 3. |
Ultrasonic vibrations are then used to break apart the cataract into smaller fragments. These fragments are then removed from the eye with the same instrumentation. This procedure is called phacoemulsification. The surgeon may decide to break the cataract into smaller pieces by creating grooves in the cataract with the phacoemulsification tip, and then remove the pieces with a second instrument which is passed through a smaller incision. |
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| 4. |
The next step is the removal of the softer, peripheral cortex, of the cataract. It is removed with an irrigation/aspiration instrument. The back side of the lens capsule, (posterior), is left intact to help support the intraocular lens (IOL) implant. |
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| 5. |
Now that the cataract has been removed, inplantation of the intraocular lens (IOL) is now performed. Often the lens is folded and inserted into the capsular area with an instrament called an injector. When the lens is implanted, it unfolds into place, the arms of the implant (haptic) hold the lens in place without the need for sutures. |
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| 6. |
Your cataract removal with IOL implantation procedure is now finished. It may take up to several weeks following your surgery to obtain your best vision.
After your surgery you may notice that colors are brighter and more billiant, you may be surprised at your clearer vision.
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