Types of Cataract Surgeries

Surgery in ancient India practiced couching as early as 800 BC. In this crude technique the surgeon would sit in front of the patient. Using the illumination from the sun and with a blunt needle he would enter the eye from the sides and knock the white opacity backward. The complications are very high and couch technique soon fell disrepute.

This was followed by a technique known as "Extra capsular cataract extraction" with the placement of an intraocular lens.

It was in 1967 that Charles Kelman introduced the Phacoemulsification technique which is the modern cataract surgery with all its inherent advantages. This procedure differ from the standard ECCE in that

No suturing required .

There are no constraints on the patient after surgery an he can resume his day to day activities very quickly which has preformed economic repercussions.

The complications due to surgery are less.

There is no necessity for anesthesia in the form of injections around the eye. The surgery can be performed using 'topical' anesthetic, in the form of eye drops.

The quality of vision after surgery is much better. There is relatively less pain, redness after surgery because their is less tissue injury.