Technological Advances In Cataract Surgery Article

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Technological Advances in Cataract Surgery

The last decade has seen many improvements in all types of eye surgery. More specifically, by 2005 the technological advances in cataract surgery showed great potential for using surgical microincisions.

Author: Sara Goldstein

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The techniques had, by then, already shown that cataract removal could be accomplished safely and with equal or better outcomes than with older techniques using longer incisions.

Small Incision Cataract Surgery
Since 2005, the development of foldable intraocular lenses (IOL) has made small incision cataract surgery a popular alternative for many patients. “Foldable IOLs” can be folded to fit through the smaller incision, then, unfolded as they are positioned against the muscles.

One type of IOL is the “accommodating lens” used in cataract surgery. This type of lens is held in place with a spring-like hinge nested within the muscle folds that would normally contract and expand the natural crystalline lens, which it replaces. These muscles are now able to contract against this hinge, which bends the attached lens, giving it a more natural ability to refocus the light onto the retina. Crystalens® was the first brand of accommodating IOL. Millions of very satisfied patients have received this lens to correct their cataracts. Several new IOLs are undergoing clinical trials in the U.S. but have not yet received FDA approval.

Other methods of accommodation are delivered with diffractive lenses such as ReSTOR®, a well-known brand that also has given millions clear vision. A new brand of accommodating lens is also available, the Tecnis® Multifocal Foldable Acrylic Intraocular Lens with improved focus in bright and low lighting, faster near and intermediate distance reading and zero spherical aberration.

Benefits of Small Incisions over Longer Incisions
Studies have shown that using small incision cataract surgery has NOT produced any corneal astigmatism due to its location on the cornea, nor has it degraded the corneal optical quality in any way. This is good news because this smaller incision heals faster (in a matter of days), the patient returns home within hours of the surgery, and is comparable in all outcomes to previously established methods.

Other advantages of small incision cataract surgery include the techniques developed to do the surgery through the smaller incision. Smaller tools are used, the moisture seal between the cornea and the iris is not disturbed and stitches are not required, as with longer incisions, yet there is less chance of leakage than with stitches.

Future developments include the use of lasers in cataract removal, but lasers are not used in currently approved procedures for removing cataracts.

About Author

For more information about cataract surgery in Monmouth or Ocean Counties, New Jersey please visit the website of Susskind & Almallah Eye Associates, P.A.

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Technological Advances in Cataract Surgery