Cataract Surgery Techniques

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Cataract Surgery Techniques - Setting the Stage

  • Preoperative Evaluation:
    • History: Systemic (DM), ocular (glaucoma, uveitis).
    • Visual assessment: BCVA, glare testing.
    • Slit-lamp: Cataract grade (e.g., LOCS III), PCO, pseudoexfoliation, phacodonesis.
    • Fundoscopy: Rule out retinal co-pathology (ARMD, DR).
    • Biometry: A-scan (ultrasound) or Optical (IOLMaster, Lenstar) for axial length (AL), keratometry (K), anterior chamber depth (ACD). Barrett Toric Calculator for IOL Selection
  • IOL Power Calculation:
    • Key inputs: AL, K-readings, ACD.
    • Formulas: SRK/T, Hoffer Q, Holladay 1 & 2, Barrett Universal II.
    • Target: Emmetropia or planned residual refraction.

    ⭐ A 1 mm error in axial length measurement typically results in a ~2.5-3.0 D postoperative refractive error.

  • Anesthesia Choices:
    • Topical: Proparacaine, Lignocaine 2% jelly.
    • Injectable: Peribulbar, Sub-Tenon's. Retrobulbar (less common).
    • General Anesthesia: Indicated for children, uncooperative patients.

Cataract Surgery Techniques - Hands On Healing

  • Intracapsular Cataract Extraction (ICCE):
    • Entire lens & capsule removed.
    • Large incision (~10-12mm); requires sutures.
    • Aphakic glasses or ACIOL needed. Rarely performed now.
  • Extracapsular Cataract Extraction (ECCE):
    • Nucleus removed, posterior capsule (PC) preserved.
    • Smaller incision than ICCE (~8-10mm).
    • Allows PCIOL implantation in capsular bag.
  • Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery (MSICS/SICS):
    • ECCE variant; self-sealing sclero-corneal tunnel (~5.5-7mm).
    • No/minimal sutures; quicker visual recovery.
    • Cost-effective, ideal for mature/hard cataracts.

    ⭐ SICS is the preferred manual technique in India, offering rapid visual rehabilitation without expensive phacoemulsification machinery. SICS steps: scleral tunnel and nucleus delivery

Cataract Surgery Techniques - Ultrasound & Laser

  • Phacoemulsification (Phaco): Gold standard.
    • Uses ultrasonic vibrations to emulsify the lens nucleus.
    • Small incision (typically 2.2-2.8 mm).
    • Steps: Incision → Capsulorhexis → Hydrodissection → Phacoemulsification → IOL Implantation.
    • Advantages: Faster visual recovery, less astigmatism.
  • Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS):
    • Laser automates key steps: corneal incisions, anterior capsulotomy, lens fragmentation.
    • Aims for ↑ precision & ↓ phaco energy.
    • Potential for better IOL centration.

Phacoemulsification Cataract Surgery Animation

⭐ FLACS can create highly precise and reproducible capsulotomies, potentially improving IOL stability and effective lens position.

Cataract Surgery Techniques - Lenses & Aftercare

  • Intraocular Lenses (IOLs):
    • Types: Monofocal (standard), Multifocal (distance/near), Toric (astigmatism), EDOF (Extended Depth of Focus).
    • Materials: PMMA (rigid), Foldable (Acrylic - widely used, Silicone).
    • Power Calculation: Biometry formulas (e.g., SRK/T, Hoffer Q).
  • Post-operative Aftercare:
    • Medications: Topical antibiotic, steroid (tapered dose), NSAID.
    • Schedule: Follow-up Day 1, Week 1, Month 1.
    • Monitor for:
      • Endophthalmitis (⚠️ severe intraocular infection).
      • Posterior Capsular Opacification (PCO).
      • Cystoid Macular Edema (CME).
      • Corneal edema, IOL malposition.
    • Advice: Eye shield (nightly), avoid eye rubbing, limit heavy lifting. Monofocal, Toric, and Multifocal IOL Comparison

⭐ Posterior Capsular Opacification (PCO) is the most common late complication after cataract surgery, treated with Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy.

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Phacoemulsification: Gold standard; ultrasonic fragmentation via small incision; foldable IOL.
  • SICS: Manual, sutureless alternative; larger self-sealing tunnel; good for hard cataracts & high volume.
  • ECCE: Larger incision (8-10mm), sutures needed; nucleus expressed; less common.
  • FLACS: Femtosecond laser for precise capsulorhexis, corneal incisions, & lens fragmentation.
  • PCO: Most common late complication (after-cataract); treated with Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy.
  • Endophthalmitis: Rare but severe infection; requires urgent intravitreal antibiotics.

Practice Questions: Cataract Surgery Techniques

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Which of the following is NOT an approach followed in revised NPCB cataract surgeries?

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Flashcards: Cataract Surgery Techniques

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What is the rx of choice for after cataract?_____

TAP TO REVEAL ANSWER

What is the rx of choice for after cataract?_____

Nd:Yag laser posterior capsulotomy

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