What is the difference between foldable and non-foldable cataract surgery?

Question

What is the difference between foldable and non-foldable cataract surgery?

Answer 1

As far as the actual procedure, the two most common types of  cataract surgery are manual extracapsular extraction and phacoemulsification (phaco extracapsular extraction). The foldable/non-foldable relates to the intraocular lens they use to replace you own.

Phacoemulsification requires a smaller incision to remove the lens than conventional extracapsular cataract extraction, and a foldable silicone lens can fit into this incision while a non-foldable plastic lens cannot.

Some benefits of using this method with a foldable lens are:

-less trauma to the eye

-little discomfort during or after the surgery

-often do not require stitches

-can aid in reducing astigmatism and provide better vision

-will usually provide a faster postoperative recovery period and quicker return to normal activity

Hope I was able to help!