Dr Moïse Tourabaly · Cataract surgery

Cataract surgery: the 4 steps of the procedure

Zoomed cross-section of the front of the eye during the four steps of cataract surgery. Side cross-section, front of the eye on the left: cornea, anterior chamber, iris and capsular bag containing the crystalline lens. Step 1, a micro-incision about two millimetres wide at the edge of the cornea. Step 2, a round opening in the anterior capsule. Step 3, the clouded crystalline lens is broken up then aspirated, and the capsular bag is preserved. Step 4, the intraocular lens implant is unfolded inside the bag. Cornea Iris capsular bag preserved micro-incision ≈ 2 mm round opening in the capsule lens broken up then aspirated implant in place

1. Micro-incision: a tiny opening, about 2 mm wide, is made at the edge of the cornea.

2. Capsule opening: a round opening is created in the anterior capsule (capsulorhexis) to reach the crystalline lens.

3. Lens removal: the clouded crystalline lens is broken up by ultrasound then aspirated. The capsular bag is preserved to hold the implant.

4. Implant insertion: the intraocular lens implant is unfolded inside the capsular bag, where it takes the place of the crystalline lens.

A short procedure, most often under local anaesthesia (drops).

Illustrative diagram. Recovery varies from patient to patient; the post-operative instructions must be followed.