2D illustration showing an eye affected by cataracts. A cataract is a denaturation of proteins in the eye's lens that produces an opacity and consequent loss of sight of varying severity. This mature cataract appears as a white mass behind the iris. The most common cause is aging, with the cataract developing over a number of years. This condition can be corrected by a modern surgery called phacoemulsification. When phacoemulsification is performed, the eye's internal lens is emulsified (broken up) with an ultrasonic hand piece, and aspirated (suctioned) from the eye. Aspirated fluids are replaced with irrigation of a balanced salt solution, thus maintaining the anterior chamber. An artificial lens is then inserted to replace the old lens, and normal vision is restored within the eye. | |
Lizenzart: | Lizenzpflichtig |
Credit: | Science Photo Library / Science Source / Emily Ciosek |
Bildgröße: | 2320 px × 2680 px |
Modell-Rechte: | nicht erforderlich |
Eigentums-Rechte: | nicht erforderlich |
Restrictions: | - |