Cataract Procedure

Phacoemulsification

At Seibel Vision Surgery, cataract surgery is a state-of-the-art procedure, using a microincisional procedure, called phacoemulsification.

Phacoemulsification uses ultrasound to dissolve the cataract and then a tiny foldable lens is implanted in its place.

Dr. Seibel operates while looking through a highly specialized microscope; he uses the principles of his textbook Phacodynamics to enable a customized procedure for each eye of each individual patient to help insure the gentlest, safest, and most effective operation.

Chart showing cataract surgery

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Step by Step:

Eye pre cataract surgery

    1. The eyelids are gently opened using the Seibel 3-D Eyelid Speculum.  A very small, beveled incision, about 3 millimeters in size – less than 1/8″ wide, is made at the edge of the cornea, the transparent covering of the front of the eye. Because of the careful construction of this incision, and its small size, the incision is generally self-sealing. This translates to a “no-stitch” operation.  The eye is stabilized during this step with the Seibel Gravity Fixation Ring instrument.
    2. Dr. Seibel then creates an opening in the capsule, which is a micro-thin membrane surrounding the cataract; he uses the Seibel Rhexis Ruler instrument to create this Continuous Curvilinear Capsulorhexis. This procedure, called capsulorhexis, requires extraordinary precision since the capsule is only about four-thousandths of a millimeter thick. This membrane is actually thinner than a red blood cell and Dr. Seibel must delicately remove the capsule while manipulating instruments within the anterior chamber – a space only 3 millimeters deep. Some studies suggest that an expertly created manual capsulorhexis can be even stronger than one created by a femtosecond laser.
    3. Through the tiny incision, a microsurgical, ultrasonic, oscillating probe is inserted, which gently dissolves the cloudy lens, using high frequency sound waves.  The need for ultrasound energy is minimized by the use of Dr Seibel’s instruments, the Seibel Nucleus Chopper and Safety Quick Chopper, which allow gentle disassembly of the cataract prior to ultrasound application.
    4. Simultaneously, this same instrument suctions out the fragmented pieces using ultrasound power. This process is called phacoemulsification, sometimes referred to as phaco.  Dr Seibel applies the principles of his textbook Phacodynamics to allow the gentlest, safest, and most effective surgery that is customized to each individual patient.  Furthermore, he is among the very few surgeons to utilize advanced Dual Linear Pedal control for the utmost finesse in applying machine energy for the operation.
    5. Once the denser central nucleus of the cataract has been removed, the softer peripheral cortex of the cataract is removed using an irrigation/aspiration handpiece. The posterior capsule, an elastic bag-like membrane that held the lens, is left in place. It will support the new lens implant, as well as to maintain separation between the front and back parts of the eye.

Multifocal IOL6. The intraocular lens is folded and passed through the tiny incision where it is then opened (implanted) inside the capsular bag. The lens is inserted via an injector designed to help keep the incision size small – while allowing implantation of a 6 millimeter lens through a 3 millimeter (or even smaller) incision. The springy arms of the IOL, known as haptics, hold the lens implant within the capsular bag. The IOL does not generally require sutures to remain in good position.

7. The lens is held in the same position as that of the natural lens (cataract) of the eye, within the capsular bag. At this stage, the cataract operation with IOL implantation is complete.

Cataract Surgery with an IOL in place8. The incision is called self-sealing because the eye’s natural internal pressure holds the incision tightly closed allowing the eye to heal without stitches. The chances of developing new astigmatism (distorted vision) after surgery are significantly decreased by eliminating stitches, which tend to pull the eye’s surface slightly out of its natural shape.

The surgery typically takes about 20 minutes and is performed on an outpatient basis. This means that you will have the surgery and then go home, usually around 30 minutes afterwards. Most of the time only local anesthesia is used, so you will be awake for the entire process; a mild sedative will be given to insure that you are relaxed and comfortable. After the surgery, you are taken to the recovery room and then released. You will need someone to drive you home.

Can both eyes be done together?

Usually not.  Although healing usually has rapid improvement in vision with minimal to no discomfort, operating on only one eye enables you to use one eye while the other is healing.  Also, even though many patients with cataracts in both eyes often have both done relatively close together, some patients may have enough visual improvement from the first surgery so that they may not feel sufficient symptoms right away to do the other eye.  Because of the rapid recovery typical of Dr. Seibel’s advanced techniques, patients who want the second cataract done typically may have their second eye procedure done within a week or even a few days of the first one.

Is cataract surgery scary or painful?

All this information about cataracts and surgery might seem a little frightening to you. It is perfectly normal to be a bit apprehensive before any unfamiliar experience; however, be assured that the great majority of our patients say their surgery was remarkably pleasant, and that pain was not even a consideration. We will do everything possible to make sure you are completely comfortable throughout the entire procedure.

During your surgery, you will be given a relaxant to enhance calmness and neither see nor feel any part of the surgery. The next morning, you will visit with your physician to further cover any concerns you might have. We are here to help.

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