A capsulotomy is an incision into the
capsule that encloses the lens
(of the eye),
separating the lens from the aqueous
humour in front of , or "anterior to" the lens, and the
vitreous
humour behind, or "posterior to" the lens. (Note
that the word-stem "capsulo-" refers
to the capsule, a useful start in recognising and understanding
this term.)
A capsulotomy is sometimes appropriate after cataract
surgery if vision becomes reduced, e.g. appearing to be cloudy, due
to part or all of the lens capsule becoming
cloudy over time. There are two types of capsulotomy:
- Anterior Capsulotomy, and
- Posterior Capsulotomy.
In the past capsulotomies were performed using a tiny knife called a
"cystitome". Surgical laser procedures using a YAG laser (yttrium-aluminium-garnet
laser) are now used in many cases.
This section includes short definitions of clinical and surgical procedures
concerning the eyes and human visual system. For definitions of other
terms in this category, choose from the list to the left.
Other related pages include the diagram
of the eye, and definitions
of parts of the eye, a description
of the human retina, and the section about disorders
of the eye and visual system. |
