Cateract extraction
Cataract extraction is the surgical removal of cataract(s) from the eye.
A cataract is an opacity in the lens of an eye and causes reduced quality of vision.
There are two basic methods of cataract extraction:
- Extracapsular cataract extraction is the more modern procedure and is performed in many cases. This involves removal of the cataract-affected lens only, with the lens capsule left in place to support the remaining lens tissue and the (artificial) intraocular lens inserted during the procedure.
- Intracapsular cataract extraction is an older method during which all of the lens and lens capsule is removed before an artificial lens is inserted as a replacement.
It is useful to be aware of both of these techniques because former cataract patients may have received either treatment.
More about Ophthalmology:
This section includes short definitions
of many diseases, disorders, and conditions of the eyes and visual system.
For definitions of other terms in this category, choose from the list
to the left (but note that this is not a complete/exhaustive list).
Other related pages include
- A diagram of the eye
- Definitions and descriptions of the parts of the eye
- A concise description of the human retina
- Definitions of parts of the retina
- Diseases and disorders of the human eye and the human visual system
For further information see also our pages of books about ophthalmology.
The following books may also be of interest:
