Cataracts are a leading cause of vision impairment, but with early detection and advanced surgical procedures, clear vision can be restored. The cataract diagnosis involves comprehensive eye examinations, while surgical treatments remain the only proven method for cataract removal. Ophthalmic microsurgical knives, such as Side Port / Straight 15°, Slit / Keratome Knives, Clear Cornea Knives, Crescent Knives, and MVR Knives, play a crucial role in ensuring precision during these procedures.
Cataract Diagnosis
If you experience symptoms such as blurred vision, increased sensitivity to light, or difficulty seeing at night, seeking a professional diagnosis is essential. The following tests help in detecting cataracts:
Comprehensive Eye Exam
A detailed assessment of overall eye health helps in identifying cataracts and other vision-related issues.
Slit-Lamp Examination
A slit lamp allows an ophthalmologist to examine the eye’s structures, including the lens and cornea, under high magnification to detect early cataract formation.
Retinal Exam
This procedure involves dilating the pupils to get a clearer view of the retina and assess its health. Cataracts can obscure retinal details, affecting overall eye function.
Visual Acuity Test
Measures how well a person can see at different distances, helping to determine the extent to which cataracts are affecting vision.
Cataract Eye Surgical Treatments
Surgical removal of cataracts is a well-established, safe, and effective procedure to restore vision. Various techniques are used depending on the severity of the cataract and the patient’s eye condition.
Phacoemulsification (Phaco Surgery)
This is the most widely used modern technique. It employs ultrasound energy to break up the cloudy lens, which is then suctioned out and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). The procedure involves minimal incisions, often made using Slit Knives or Clear Cornea Knives, ensuring faster recovery and excellent visual outcomes.
Size of the wound would be 2.2mm to 3.2 mm
Surgical Knives used in Phaco Surgery – Side port 15 Deg, Clear Corneal/Keratome/Slit Knives , MVR Knives.
Extracapsular Cataract Extraction (ECCE)
Recommended for advanced cataracts, this method removes the lens in one piece while keeping the posterior lens capsule intact to support the IOL. Crescent Knives are commonly used for precision scleral tunnel incisions in ECCE.
Size of the wound would be 8mm or more to remove the cataract.
Small Incision Cataract Surgery (SICS) :
This method removes the cataract by making small incision that is 6 mm wound will lesser compared to ECCE.
Crescent Knives are commonly used for precision scleral tunnel incisions in SICS.
Intracapsular Cataract Extraction (ICCE):
A less common procedure today, ICCE involves removing the entire lens along with its capsule. This technique is typically reserved for rare cases where the lens capsule is severely damaged.
Micro Incision Cataract (MICS):
In this procedure, very minute wound that is 1.4 mm to 1.8 mm wound would be done to remove the cataract.
Knives used in MICS are Clear Corneal /Keratome/Slit knives, Sideport 15 Deg, MVR Knives.
Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery
This advanced technique uses laser technology for key steps in cataract removal, including creating incisions, softening the cataract, and fragmenting the lens for easy extraction. The use of high-precision ophthalmic knives, alongside laser technology, enhances surgical accuracy and patient safety.
The Role of Ophthalmic Microsurgical Knives in Cataract Surgery
Precision is essential in cataract surgery, and the use of high-quality ophthalmic microsurgical knives ensures minimal trauma and faster healing. Key instruments used include:
Slit Knives – Ideal for corneal incisions in phacoemulsification.
Crescent Knives – Used in ECCE/SICS for scleral tunnel incisions.
MVR Knives – Utilized for micro-incisions in advanced surgical techniques.
Explore High-Precision Ophthalmic Knives
For superior ophthalmic surgical instruments, explore Shah Eye Care and discover a range of specialized microsurgical knives designed for cataract surgery and other ophthalmic procedures.
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