When the eye’s own lens loses its natural transparency and the vision deteriorates because of this, the term ‘cataract’ is used. If the eyesight becomes blurred over a period of months, or years and cannot be corrected with glasses, cataract may be the cause. A visit to the optician, or an eye specialist will confirm this, or if there is another cause of the visual problem.

Currently, the only treatment for cataract is surgery. The technique that is used is known as ‘phacoemulsification’. Small incisions are made through the edge of the cornea and a probe and other instruments are inserted into the eye to liquefy the lens, which is then removed from the eye.
In place of the cataract, an intraocular lens (IOL) implant is inserted. The implant is made of a flexible material that allows its insertion through the small incision. This allows more rapid healing of the eye following surgery.

The Powerpoint presentation gives some more detail about the history of cataract surgery and current practice.

Download Cataract Surgery Power Point Presentation


The following video is an example of phacoemulsification and IOL implantation surgery that I have performed for the treatment of cataract.