Lensectomy: Definition, Procedure, Risks, and Recovery

Lensectomy is a surgical procedure used to remove the natural lens of the eye that has become cloudy due to a cataract. This procedure is performed to restore vision and can be performed in various ways. In this article, we will discuss the definition, procedure, risks, and recovery associated with lensectomy.

Definition

Lensectomy, also known as extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE), is a surgical procedure used to remove the natural lens of the eye that has become cloudy due to a cataract. This procedure is performed to restore vision and involves the removal of the lens through a larger incision in the cornea, as opposed to phacoemulsification which uses small incision and ultrasound energy to remove the lens.

Procedure

The procedure for lensectomy typically takes around 30 minutes to complete and is typically performed as an outpatient procedure. The steps of the procedure include:

  1. Anesthesia: The patient will be given local anesthesia to numb the eye and surrounding area to minimize discomfort during the procedure.
  2. Incision: A larger incision is made in the cornea, typically around 2.8 to 3.2 mm.
  3. Extraction of lens: The lens is removed through the incision.
  4. Insertion of artificial lens: Once the natural lens has been removed, an artificial lens, called an intraocular lens (IOL), can be inserted into the eye to replace the natural lens.
  5. Closure of incision: The incision is closed with a small suture or left to heal on its own.

Risks

Like all surgical procedures, lensectomy has risks associated with it, including:

  • Infection: An infection can occur at the surgical site, which can cause inflammation and discomfort.
  • Bleeding: There is a risk of bleeding during or after the procedure.
  • Injury to the retina or other parts of the eye.
  • Swelling or inflammation
  • Loss of vision
  • Glare or halos around lights
  • Development of secondary cataract

Recovery

After the procedure, the patient will be monitored for a short period of time before being released to go home. The recovery period can vary, but most patients can return to normal activities within a week. The patient will be given eye drops to help prevent infection and inflammation, as well as to aid in healing.

Patients will be advised to avoid strenuous activities for a few days after surgery and will be given instructions on how to care for the eye to avoid any complications. It is important to note that while lensectomy is a less common procedure than phacoemulsification, it may be necessary in certain cases where the catar

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

ABETALIPOPROTEINEMIA (BASSEN-KORNZWEIG SYNDROME) Retinopathy

Image
Abetalipoproteinemia, also known as Bassen-Kornzweig syndrome, is a rare genetic disorder that affects the body's ability to absorb and transport fats and fat-soluble vitamins. One of the ways that abetalipoproteinemia can affect the eyes is by causing retinitis pigmentosa, a condition that causes vision loss. Retinitis pigmentosa is a degenerative eye disease that affects the retina (the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye). It is characterized by the gradual loss of photoreceptor cells (cells that detect light and send signals to the brain) and the accumulation of pigment in the retina. This can cause vision loss and may lead to blindness in severe cases. Abetalipoproteinemia can also cause optic atrophy, a condition in which the optic nerve (the nerve that carries visual information from the eye to the brain) becomes thin and weak. This can cause vision loss and other visual problems. In conclusion, abetalipoproteinemia can affect the eyes by causing reti...
Read more

What is myopia?

Image
Myopia is nearsightedness and this condition of eye occurs when the power of eye is increased from the normal powers of eye. The normal powers of eye is 58DS and the eye with >58DS eye power will be marked as myopic eye.  Definition   When parallel light rays coming from the infinity focus Infront of the retina while the accommodation should be at rest this condition of eye is known as myopia.
Read more

Scleritis

Scleritis 👌is a painful inflammation (swelling) the sclera. The tough, fibrous tissues of the sclera form a protective outer layer for the eye and make up 83 percent of the eye’s surface. In almost half of all cases, scleritis is associated with an underlying autoimmune disorder such as rheumatoid arthritis. There are two main types of scleritis: anterior and posterior. Anterior scleritis, the most common type, affects the front portion of the sclera. There are three types of anterior scleritis: Diffuse scleritis is the most common type and fortunately the most treatable. This type displays widespread redness and inflammation throughout the whole or a portion of the front portion of the sclera.     Nodular scleritis, is characterized by the presence of nodules , often tender to the touch, on the surface of the eye.     Necrotizing scleritis is the most severe form of anterior scleritis. It has the ability to destroy scleral tissues an...
Read more