Dr Archie Lamb - Eye Surgeon - Cataract Surgery

The lens of the eye is normally transparent. As we age this lens becomes cloudy. When a cloudy area develops in the lens, it is called a cataract. The amount of light that passes through the lens is reduced and scattered by the cataract reducing the clarity of the image. The result is that vision becomes increasingly cloudy.

Diagram 1 - This diagram shows the light passing through a clear lens allowing the image to focus on the back of the eye.

Diagram 2 - This diagram shows a cloudy lens where light cannot pass through leaving the image unclear.

* Click on Diagram above to enlarge

It is commonly believed that a cataract is a film over the eye that is scrapped off. This is not true. Another common fallacy is that you must wait until your vision is very poor before surgery can be performed. This also is not true.

Cataract surgery is the most common eye operation performed. Cataract surgery is a delicate operation that involves manipulation of the tiny structures inside the eye. A high-powered microscope allows Dr Lamb to view the parts of the eye clearly.

Diagram 3 - The ultrasound breaks up the lens so it can be vacuumed out of the eye.

A tiny incision is required to insert a probe that is used to remove the cataract. This probe uses ultrasound. The ultrasound will break the cataract up into tiny pieces allowing the cataract to be gently vacuumed from the eye. Laser can be used but is only suitable for minor cataracts and is not in general use.

The wound is self-sealing and usually no sutures are used. This "No Stitch Cataract Surgery" dramatically reduces discomfort, improving recovery and the final visual result.

Diagram 4 - The artificial lens is inserted into the eye where the cataract was removed.

After the natural lens of the eye (the cataract) has been removed, an artificial lens, called an intraocular lens, is inserted. This lens is needed to bring light rays into proper focus on to the retina (the back of the eye).

Careful measurements of the eyes are taken before surgery so that Dr. Lamb can calculate the lens power to correct for either short sightedness or long sightedness. This test is called an A scan. The prescription for your intraocular lens will help reduce the dependence on glasses.

Cataract surgery results are usually excellent, however complications can occur. Dr Lamb routinely discusses any risks with his patients.

Cataract surgery is usually performed under local anaesthetic with light sedation given by a specialist anaesthetist.

Those who choose a general anaesthetic will be asleep for the entire procedure.

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This page was last updated on Sunday May 26, 2002.

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