Cataracts cause the clouding of the clear eye lens. Such clouded vision makes it difficult to see, work, or read, affecting the quality of life. The only way to get cataracts is through surgery, which is typically a safe and effective procedure. When some people need immediate surgery, others may take some time as advised. For cataract treatment in Siliguri, visit the most trusted eye hospital in town.
Overview of Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is a clinical procedure to remove the clouded lens of the eyes (cataracts) and replace it with an artificial lens, medically called an intraocular lens (IOL). Mostly, this technique is performed on an outpatient basis, offering quick recovery times.
There are two main forms of surgery to remove cataracts - Phacoemulsification (Phaco) Surgery and Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery. However, there are more procedures available.
Phacoemulsification Cataract Surgery (Phaco)
Phacoemulsification, commonly known as Phaco, is a widely used cataract surgery. In this surgery, an eye surgeon emulsifies the internal lens of the eyes where a cataract has developed with the tip of an ultrasonic handpiece and aspirates from the eye.
How it Works
An eye surgeon makes a tiny incision in the cornea first, which is the clear front part of the eye. A vibrating tip of the ultrasound probe breaks the cloudy eye lens into small pieces and suction out the lens. Next, a new intraocular lens (IOL) is implanted in its place. Stitches are rarely needed in Phaco.
Benefits
- Minimally invasive that heals quickly
- Quick recovery
- High success rates
Who are the ideal candidates?
- Patients with moderate to severe cataracts in both or one eye
- Patients looking for a traditional and effective surgery
Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery
Laser-assisted cataract surgery is a modern cataract treatment, offering quick and effective recovery. Laser surgery offers better precision compared to traditional methods in which a femtosecond laser is used to treat cataracts. Avail of the best cataract treatment in Siliguri.
How it Works
The surgeon creates a small incision in the eye and then cuts a perfect circle in the lens and breaks up the cataract. Then the cataracts are removed with the help of an ultrasound machine. Your surgeon inserts the artificial IOL, offering a more accurate alignment of the new lens.
Benefits
- More accuracy
- Lower risk of complications of surgery
- Better lens placement
- Better incision in difficult cases
- Quick healing
Who are the Ideal Candidates?
- Patients with stable eye vision for the last year
- No present eye problems like diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, dry eye, corneal ulcers, glaucoma
Extracapsular Cataract Extraction (ECCE)
Though not as common as the above cataract surgeries, extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) is sometimes used when the Phaco surgery is not ideal to remove dense or more advanced cataracts.
How it Works
The eye surgeon makes a larger incision in the eye (cornea) to remove the cloudy lens as a whole. Once the lens is removed, an artificial IOL is carefully placed to restore clear vision. Since the cut is large (10-12 mm), this surgery needs stitches to close the incision.
Benefits
- Effective for very advanced cataracts
- Removing cataracts in one piece
- Time-tested and reliable cataract surgery
Who are the Ideal Candidates?
- Patients with highly advanced cataracts that cannot be removed with Phaco cataract surgery.
- Patients with corneal abnormalities
Intracapsular Cataract Surgery (ICCE)
Intracapsular cataract extraction (ICCE) is an older method to treat cataracts in which the entire lens and the capsule are removed. This technique is used in rare cases, like partly dislocated lenses.
How it Works
In ICCE, the entire lens and surrounding capsule are removed and a larger incision is needed. Doctors don't implant any artificial IOL in this surgery and patients need to wear special eyeglasses. Visit the top eye clinic in Siliguri for cataract surgery.
Benefits
- ICCR may be the choice when other techniques are not possible
- Reduced risk of infection
Who are the Ideal Candidates?
- Patients with severe cataracts
- Patients with specific eye conditions when other cataract surgery won't work
See an experienced ophthalmologist for cataract surgery in Siliguri and successful outcomes. While this reading mentions several cataract surgery procedures, laser surgery and Phaco are mostly used, with high success rates. Based on the characteristics of your cataract, the eye surgeon will advise the best surgery option.
