What is Extracapsular Cataract Extraction? (for dense, mature, brown cataracts with Corneal Fuchs Dystrophy)
Extracapsular cataract extraction is used in cases of advanced that are brown and hard. Instead of being fragmented within the eye as in phacoemulsification, the cataract is removed in one piece in this procedure. Extracapsular cataract surgery results in slower recovery of the wound as well as visual function due to the larger incision made and stitching of the wound is involved. This procedure is usually recommended for patients with mature cataracts as well as corneal Fuchs dystrophy.
What is Extracapsular Cataract Extraction? (for dense, mature, brown cataracts with Corneal Fuchs Dystrophy)
Extracapsular cataract extraction is used in cases of advanced that are brown and hard. Instead of being fragmented within the eye as in phacoemulsification, the cataract is removed in one piece in this procedure. Extracapsular cataract surgery results in slower recovery of the wound as well as visual function due to the larger incision made and stitching of the wound is involved. This procedure is usually recommended for patients with mature cataracts as well as corneal Fuchs dystrophy.
What is corneal Fuchs dystrophy?
Fuchs dystrophy is a disease of the cornea. In this condition, the layer of endothelial cells responsible for pumping fluid out of the cornea will degrade as the condition progresses, causing small bumps (guttae) to build up on the cornea. When enough cells are damaged, fluid accumulates in the cornea, causing corneal edema (swelling of the cornea).
Fuchs dystrophy often affects both of the eyes and might cause your eyesight to deteriorate over time. This condition often begins in the 30s and 40s and many patients with Fuchs dystrophy do not develop symptoms until they are in their 50s or 60s. Some medications such as eye drops and eye ointments may help alleviate the symptoms of Fuchs’ dystrophy.
Treating cataracts and Fuch’s dystrophy with extracapsular cataract extraction
Extracapsular cataract extraction is a type of cataract surgery in which the natural lenses of the eyes are removed through a larger corneal incision and without breaking up the lens, the intraocular lens is inserted into the cornea and closed using stitches.