Types of Cataract Surgery
- Phacoemulsification (Phaco): In Phacoemulsification, a small incision (cut) is made (usually around 2-3 mm) in the cornea. then, a tiny probe is inserted into the eye, which emits ultrasound waves. These ultrasound waves break up the cloudy lens (cataract) into small fragments, which are gently suctioned out of the eye. After removing the cataract, an artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL) is implanted into the eye to replace the natural lens. The IOL is typically folded and inserted through the same small incision used for phacoemulsification.
- Extracapsular Cataract Extraction (ECCE): In ECCE, a larger incision (around 10-12 mm) is made in the cornea. The surgeon removes the cloudy lens in one piece, leaving the posterior capsule of the lens intact. This technique is typically used for advanced or dense cataracts that may be difficult to remove using phacoemulsification. Similar to phacoemulsification, an IOL is implanted after the cataract is removed. The incision may require stitches to close.
- Manual Small-Incision Cataract Surgery (MSICS): MSICS is a variation of ECCE but involves a smaller incision, typically around 6-7 mm. The cataract is manually removed through this incision, and the posterior capsule is left intact. This technique is often used in settings where advanced technology like phacoemulsification or femtosecond lasers may not be available. An IOL is implanted after removing the cataract, similar to the other techniques.
- Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery: Procedure: In femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery, a femtosecond laser is used to create precise incisions in the cornea and to fragment the cataract. The laser allows for customized incisions and more predictable outcomes compared to manual techniques. An IOL is implanted into the eye after the cataract is removed.
- Refractive Cataract Surgery: Refractive cataract surgery aims not only to remove the cataract but also to correct refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. This can be achieved by selecting a specific type of IOL, such as multifocal or Toric lenses, which address these refractive errors.
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