Cataract Eye Surgery Which procedure is best for

Cataract Eye Surgery Which procedure is best for you ?

Introduction • To briefly explain and summarize what cataracts are • To briefly explain and summarize the most popular surgeries used to correct cataracts • To briefly explain and summarize the costs and benefits associated with each surgical procedure

What are Cataracts? • A clouding of the lenses of the eyes • Can develop in one or both eyes • Can cause vision to become blurry, cloudy or dim

Cataract Surgical Procedures • Phacoemulsification- a surgical procedure that uses ultrasound waves to break up the cataract so that it can be removed. This procedure leaves the lens capsule intact to serve as a place for an artificial lens to rest

Cataract Surgical Procedures Continued • Extracapsular Cataract Extraction • a procedure used less frequently than phacoemulsification • Is a more involved procedure than phacoemulsification

Cataract Surgical Procedures Continued • In either phacoemulsification or extracapsular extraction surgery, an artificial lens known as an intraocular lens(IOL) is implanted into the empty lens capsule

Costs and Benefits of each Surgical Procedure • Phacoemulsification- can increase recovery time for patients • Is a more expensive surgical procedure than extracapsular extraction

Cost and Benefits of each Surgical Procedure Continued • Phacoemulsification- patients are able to return to work and to functioning lives more quickly than with conventional extracapsular extraction surgery • It is the preferred surgery in developed countries with large health care budgets

Cost and Benefits of each Surgical Procedure Continued • Extracapsular Extraction- a standard cataract removal procedure • Is a less expensive procedure than phacoemulsification

Cost and Benefits of each Surgical Procedure Continued • Extracapsular Extraction- can decrease patient recovery time • Is a procedure that is used in developing countries • Is a procedure that requires sutures in the eye

Conclusion • Each cataract surgery extracapsular extraction or phacoemulsification has its advantages and disadvantages • The surgical procedure you choose to have will depend on your individual life circumstances

Works Cited • http: //www. geteyesmart. org/eyesmart/diseases/ cataracts/ • http: //www. aao. org/publications/eyenet/200904/ feature. cfm • http: //www. mayoclinic. org/testsprocedures/cataract-surgery/basics/what-youcan-expect/prc-20012917