Intracapsular surgery for cataracts
Intracapsular cataract surgery involves removing the lens and the entire plastic-like membrane wrapped around the lens (capsule).
When the whole lens capsule is removed, there is a greater chance of complications in the back of the eye:
- The gel in the eye (vitreous gel) may ooze into the front of the eye, which can then cause the retina to detach (retinal detachment).
- It may cause extensive bleeding in the back of the eye.
Compared to extracapsular surgery, intracapsular surgery has a greater risk of complications, including glaucoma, which may result in nerve damage and blindness.
| Author: | Jeannette Curtis | Last Updated: October 1, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Christopher J. Rudnisky, MD, FRCSC - Ophthalmology | |
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