Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is a safe and effective way to restore vision. It is done on an outpatient basis and only requires a short recovery period. The surgeon generally completes the procedure in about 15 minutes, with patients spending only a couple of hours at the surgery center. After surgery, patients can resume most of their normal activities the following day.
Little Risk. Great Rewards.
The standard procedure for removing cataracts is “phaco,” or phacoemulsification. Phaco reduces recovery time as well as reduces the risks involved with larger incisions. The surgery replaces the patient’s cloudy lens with an artificial lens called an IOL, or intraocular lens. An IOL is a clear, plastic lens that requires no care and becomes a permanent part of the eye. New IOLs are introduced every year as the technology advances, so after a comprehensive eye exam, you and your surgeon will consider the best option for you.
How Cataract Removal Surgery Works
Preparation
Drops are placed in the eye to dilate the pupil and to numb the eye for comfort. The patient is given a mild sedative and the eye is cleansed.
Removing the old lens
A small incision is made on the side of the cornea (the clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye). The surgeon inserts a tiny probe, which emits ultrasonic waves that soften and break up the lens so it can be removed by suction.
Inserting the new lens
The surgeon uses the injector tool to place the new lens into the eye. The lens unfolds, is secured and is then adjusted by the surgeon to ensure correct alignment.
Recovery
The incision is so small that it seals itself, so stitches are rarely necessary. The patient can often resume most normal activities the following day.
Cataract Procedure
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