Elephant Undergoes Cataract Surgery

C'sar, a 37 year old elephant at the North Carolina Zoo, suffered from cataracts since 2010. Just recently, surgical specialists from NC veterinary school spent 4 hours removing the cataract in C'sar's left eye. C'sar may undergo cataract surgery on his right eye in the near future.

Who would believe that we are performing cataract surgery on zoo animals now! What amazing technology!

C'sar has been at the North Carolina Zoo since 1978, but has not been on exhibit since March due to poor eye sight.

C'sar was originally supposed to have received an artificial lens implant in place of the cataract removed. Unfortunately, due to tissue damage in his left eye, the specialists decided against inserting the artificial lens.

Although C'sar has recovered well, he is left farsighted without the artificial lens transplant.

C'sar is scheduled to return back to the zoo's exhibit soon, as soon as he recovers fully!

Cataracts occur in humans and animals alike. The act of removing a cataract in humans has become simple and very straightforward. The risks and complications are minimal for us humans.

The amazing feat of removing a cataract from an elephant is just beyond extraordinary. The size of an elephant's lens has to be at least the size of a football. The act of performing surgery on this size requires skill and precision. Technology today continues to amaze me. It is wondrous and joyful for me to see technology used in such amazing ways!