Cataract Surgery Complications
Glossary of Ophthalmic Terms and Phrases
Term
Anterior chamber
Cataract
Complex cataract
extraction
Enucleation
Evisceration
Glaucoma
Intraocular Lens
(IOL)
Lens nucleus
Ocular hypertension
Paracentesis anterior
chamber, therapeutic
Phacoemulsification
cataract surgery
Posterior segment
Pseudo-exfoliation
syndrome
Retinal Detachment
Vitrectomy
Vitreous humor
Definition
Space between the posterior cornea and anterior surface of the lens
and iris. Filled with aqueous humor.
Opacity of the normally clear crystalline lens.
Term developed for purposes of reimbursement for cataract
surgery, CPT code 66982. Describes surgeries that require devices
or techniques not generally used in routine cataract surgery.
Removal of the eye from the orbit.
Removal of the contents of the eye leaving the sclera in the orbit.
Group of ocular diseases characterized by injury to the optic nerve
often, but not always, associated with elevated intraocular pressure.
Artificial lens used to replace the crystalline lens removed at the
time of cataract surgery.
Central portion of lens. Can dislodge during cataract surgery and
drop into the posterior segment. Considered a major complication.
Intraocular pressure above the range of normal. Can, if left
untreated, lead to injury of the optic nerve, i.e. glaucoma.
Procedure where aqueous, or aqueous combined with other
substances, is withdrawn from anterior chamber of eye, usually to
reduce intraocular pressure.
Considered standard of care method for removing cataracts. Uses
ultrasonic energy to break apart cataract lens fibers.
Term describing that portion of the eye posterior to the back surface
of the iris and lens.
An extracellular material of unknown origin deposited throughout
the body. When it occurs within the eye, the material increases risk
of surgical complications.
Neurosensory retina detaches from underlying retinal pigment
epithelium.
Surgical procedure to remove the natural vitreous of the eye.
An optically clear gel that fills the posterior cavity of the eye
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