Nick Strouthidis MBBS MD PhD FRCS FRCOphth FRANZCO

How Is Cataract Surgery Performed?

Cataract surgery involves removing the cloudy lens within the eye by phaco-emulsification, which involves using a vibrating probe that dissolves and sucks out the lens. The phacoemulsificating probe is inserted into the front of the eye via micro-incisions in the peripheral cornea. The micro-incisions are not visible to the naked eye and usually heal up without requiring any stitches. Once the lens is removed, the supporting 'capsule' bag is left in place. Any remnants of soft lens material are removed using an aspirating probe, making sure not to damage the capsular bag. An artificial lens is then inserted via the same incision into the bag. By folding the lens and using an injector to insert the lens into the eye, there is no need to enlarge the micro-incision. Once the lens is in the bag, any viscoelastic gel used during the procedure is aspirated. Finally, a small amount of antibiotic is injected into the eye at the end of the procedure.