Phacoemulsification -- the most commonly used technique for cataract surgery -- requires only a tiny incision that often needs no stitches and heals rapidly. The outer lining of the lens capsule (the membrane that surrounds the lens) is left behind to provide support for the artificial lens implant.
The doctor usually replaces the clouded lens of the eye with a clear artificial lens made of silicone or acrylic, smaller than a dime, which folds to fit through the incision. Once inside the lens capsule, the folded lens opens up again. In some cases, the surgeon uses a rigid plastic lens instead, which requires a slightly larger incision that may require stitches.
Phacoemulsification offers good long-term results, and 97% to 98% of all cases done by an experienced surgeon are successful and free of complications.
Phacoemulsification -- the most commonly used technique for
cataract surgery -- requires only a tiny incision that often needs
no stitches and heals rapidly. The outer lining of the lens capsule
(the membrane that surrounds the lens) is left behind...
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Dr. Laura Fine answered:Phacoemulsification -- the most commonly used technique for cataract surgery -- requires only a tiny incision that often needs no stitches and heals rapidly. The outer lining of the lens capsule (the membrane that surrounds the lens) is left behind to provide support for the artificial lens implant.
