No Stitch Surgery
You're over forty and you don't think you see
as well as you use to. Because cataracts are part of the normal
aging process, they are the number one cause of poor vision among
adults.
Many people believe that a cataract must be "ripe" or "ready" prior to excision. That concept changed with the advent of small incision surgery. Today, there is no reason to wait for severe visual loss. The decision depends on the individual, their lifestyle, and visual demands.
Cataract surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, and usually takes only a few minutes. In most cases, the cataract is broken into microscopic particles using high-energy sound waves and then gently suctioned from the eye using an advanced technique called phacoemulsification. This surgery is performed through a very small incision which is usually self-sealing, requiring no sutures. To compensate for the removal of the eye's natural lens, an intra-ocular lens (IOL) is implanted into the eye.
Today, cataract surgery is refractive surgery. In most cases, your dependence on eyeglasses can be reduced or eliminated. When the new lens is chosen, the focus of the eye can be changed by altering the power of the lens. Therefore, refractive errors such as near or farsightedness can be reduced or eliminated. In addtion, moderate amounts of astigmatism can be corrected by making small curvilinear incisions on the edge of the cornea at the time of cataract surgery. Traditionally, single vision IOLs have been used, but bifocal implants are now available if desired. This will be discussed at length during your pre-op counseling session.
Many people believe that a cataract must be "ripe" or "ready" prior to excision. That concept changed with the advent of small incision surgery. Today, there is no reason to wait for severe visual loss. The decision depends on the individual, their lifestyle, and visual demands.
Cataract surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, and usually takes only a few minutes. In most cases, the cataract is broken into microscopic particles using high-energy sound waves and then gently suctioned from the eye using an advanced technique called phacoemulsification. This surgery is performed through a very small incision which is usually self-sealing, requiring no sutures. To compensate for the removal of the eye's natural lens, an intra-ocular lens (IOL) is implanted into the eye.
Today, cataract surgery is refractive surgery. In most cases, your dependence on eyeglasses can be reduced or eliminated. When the new lens is chosen, the focus of the eye can be changed by altering the power of the lens. Therefore, refractive errors such as near or farsightedness can be reduced or eliminated. In addtion, moderate amounts of astigmatism can be corrected by making small curvilinear incisions on the edge of the cornea at the time of cataract surgery. Traditionally, single vision IOLs have been used, but bifocal implants are now available if desired. This will be discussed at length during your pre-op counseling session.
Anesthesia can be administered locally (an injected
nerve block) or topically (eye drops). Both systems offer certain
advantages. Your surgeon will offer further information and recommend
which option is best for you.
Recovery
Everyone heals somewhat differently, but many
cataract patients report improvement in their vision almost immediately.
Most patients return to their normal work and lifestyle routines
within a day or two.
1. A very small "No Stitch" incision is made in the cornea. Such
an incision promotes fast and more comfortable recovery.
2. The bag of the lens is opened and a special ultrasonic probe
(phacoemulsifier) removes the cloudy lens.
3. A small foldable artificial lens is inserted through the small
incision to replace the cataract lens.
4. The final replacement lens is shown in place. It is not required
to suture the small "No Stitch" incision.
