Chapter 29: Introduction to the Lens, Cataracts, and SurgeryIntroductionThe human eye is one of the most complex organisms in the human body, and the lens is one of the most impressive structures within it! Despite being just over two centimeters in diameter, the human eye has over two million moving parts. Vision is a rapid process that involves a continuous interaction between the eye, the nervous system and the brain. The lens is a key component of the eye that, together with the cornea, focuses images on the retina. This is easily achieved due to the biconvex shape of the lenses, refractive index, clarity and youthfulness. In our youth we have the ability to focus on nearby objects through the act of accommodation. The shortening of the ciliary muscle allows the lens to take on a more curved shape. Human vision can be limited by the optical quality of the eye, especially the presence of a cataract. Cataracts are a very common age-related vision problem and the number of cataract surgeries performed is continually increasing; in 2010, approximately 20 million surgical operations were performed. The lens The lens is a double-convex, avascular, transparent structure, similar to a membrane, enclosed by a rather malleable capsule, a characteristic that keeps it in continuous tension. As a result of this tension, the lens naturally has an annular contour. The lens is located at the front of the eye behind the iris and in front of the vitreous body. The lens is held in place by thin suspensory ligaments, also known as zonules. The zonules attach to the equator of the lens like springs and attach the lens to the surrounding ciliary body. The primary function of the lens is to focus incoming light... on the center of the paper... ter Once the treatment is complete you will notice a gradual improvement in your vision over a few days. It is very normal to see some floaters in your vision after treatment. Upon completion of treatment, your doctor will schedule a follow-up visit within one to two weeks after your laser treatment. After treatment, patients should contact their doctor's office immediately if they notice or experience the following: • Pain, redness, or irritation in the surgical eye area • An increase in floaters • Flashing lights in the vision • A black shadow/curtain in the vision who cannot see through Management of Extraordinary Cataract Surgery Cataract surgery may be the most commonly performed procedure worldwide, but not all cases are routine; Many patients have retinal or corneal conditions that require surgeons to take additional precautions before, during, and after surgery.