Phacoemulsification Health Dictionary

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Phacoemulsification: From 1 Different Sources

(phakoemulsification) n. the use of a high-frequency *ultrasound probe to break up a cataract so that it can be removed through a very small incision. This is now the most popular method of performing cataract surgery in the developed world.
Health Source: Oxford | Concise Colour Medical Dictionary
Author: Jonathan Law, Elizabeth Martin

Cataract

n. an opacity in the lens of the eye that may result in blurred vision. Minor degrees of cataract do not necessarily impair vision seriously. Cataracts may be congenital or acquired. The latter are most commonly a result of age (senile cataract); metabolic disease (such as diabetes), injury to the eye, or exposure of the eye to infrared rays (e.g. glass-blowers’ cataract) or ionizing radiation can also cause a cataract. A type commonly related to ageing is nuclear sclerotic cataract, which results from increasing density and yellowing of the centre of the lens. A posterior subcapsular cataract (at the rear surface of the lens within the lens capsule) is also related to ageing but may occur with prolonged use of steroids and chronic ocular inflammation. Brunescent cataracts are dark brown and very dense, and a cortical cataract is one in which the opacity occurs in the soft outer part (cortex) of the lens. A Morgagnian cataract is a longstanding very opaque cataract in which the cortex has started to shrink and liquefy, leaving a central shrunken nucleus.

Cataract is treated by removal of the affected lens (see cataract extraction; phacoemulsification); patients may wear appropriate spectacles or a contact lens to compensate for the missing lens but in modern practice a synthetic intraocular lens implant is routinely placed inside the eye as a part of the surgical procedure.... cataract

Cystitome

n. a fine curved needle with a hooked tip or a small knife with a tiny curved or hooked blade, used to create an opening in the lens capsule in the type of operation for cataract in which the capsule is left behind (extracapsular *cataract extraction; see phacoemulsification).... cystitome

Posterior Capsular Opacification

progressive clouding of the posterior lens capsule due to *Elschnig pearls and proliferation of lens fibres following extracapsular *cataract extraction by *phacoemulsification. This can lead to clouding of vision and is treated with YAG laser *capsulotomy.... posterior capsular opacification

Ultrasound

(ultrasonic waves) n. sound waves of high frequency (above 20 kHz), inaudible to the human ear. Ultrasound in the range 2–20 MHz can be used to produce images of the interior of the human body as the waves reflect off structures back to the probe (see ultrasonography). Ultrasound waves have the advantage over X-rays of not being ionizing and are therefore much less harmful, particularly at energy levels used for diagnosis. The vibratory effect of ultrasound can also be used to break up stones in the body (see lithotripsy) and in the treatment of rheumatic conditions and cataract (see phacoemulsification). Ultrasonic instruments are used in dentistry to remove *calculus from the surfaces of teeth and to remove debris from the root canals of teeth in *root canal treatment. High-intensity focused ultrasound (see HIFU) can be used to destroy tissue, such as tumours. Keepsake ultrasound is the provision of ultrasound images of a fetus to the parents for nonmedical purposes; it is said by its proponents to help with bonding and to strengthen relationships in the family. See also endoscopic ultrasound.... ultrasound

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