Categories
- Ophthalmology
- Cataract Surgery
Definitions
As people age, the lens of the eye can become ‘cloudy’, covered with an opaque film, affecting sight, eventually causing total loss of sight. Cataract surgery involves removal of the entire
clouded lens (the cataract), usually followed by replacement of the lens with an intraocular lens (IOL) made of plastic, silicone, acrylic or other material. The operation typically takes about an hour, is done under local anaesthetic only, and may be done as an outpatient procedure. Normally, the ophthalmologist (eye specialist) makes a very small incision and inserts an ultrasonic tip which, vibrating at high speed, breaks up the cataract without damaging surrounding tissue. The remains of the cataract are then suctioned out.moreOphthalmology deals with the diagnosis and treatment of disorders and diseases of the eye. This includes the area surrounding the eyes such as bones, muscles, eyelids and tear ducts.
