Extracapsular Reflection

The main way cataracts are dealt with today is by cataract extraction and intra-ocular lens placement which is what we referred the patient for after her first visit. There are three main types of cataract surgeries that are used today. They are phacoemulsification, extracapsular extraction, and laser cataract surgery. In phacoemulsification, the surgeon makes a small incision near the limbus to insert an ultrasonic probe. This probe is pointed at the cataract and ultrasonic waves bust up the cataract. These pieces are sucked out to clear the vision of the opacity. Advantages of this procedure include immediate vision restoration post IOL placement and the quick return to daily activities. Some problems that can be associated with this procedure are minor ocular inflammation and post-operative astigmatism. Extracapsular extraction uses a different approach to achieve the same goal. A larger incision, a big disadvantage, is made than in phacoemulsification because the lens is being pulled out as a whole and the capsule is left. This means there more likely to be post-operative astigmatism and inflammation. These drawbacks of a larger incision and more post-operative problems causes this procedure to not be as popular as

Unlike other surgeries, cataract surgery is actually safer than many others with a 98% success rate. There is a small chance of endopthalmitis but it's not likely. More likely sequella include retinal detachment, glaucoma, bleeding, and swelling. Her family history of retinal detachment and her high myopia puts her more at risk for this problem. There is also a potential for advancement of diabetic retinopathy with cataract surgery. This could be especially detrimental to this patient since they have been treated for diabetes for the past 12 years. Since Crestor is a blood thinner, this patient could also be at risk for hemorrhage