About Cataract Surgery

Cataracts are removed using no needle, small incision surgery known as phacoemulsification. After application of anesthetic eyedrops an incision of 1.8 to 2.7 millimeters in length is then created where the cornea, the clear domed structure on the front of the eye, and the white part of the eye, known as the sclera meet. The cataract is broken into many small pieces using an ultrasonic device and simultaneously removed from the eye.

Once all of the cataract material has been removed, a folded intraocular lens is inserted through the original incision. The lens is then maneuvered into the lens capsule and centered. The lens will remain inside your eye in this location. Intraocular lenses cannot be felt or sensed in any way by the patient. Cataracts do not grow back after surgery. Intraocular lenses never wear out and except in very rare instances, never need to be replaced.

Cataract surgery recovery is generally short and uneventful, along as the patient is in good health and does nothave any other major eye problems. Most patients recover completely from cataract surgery after around a month. Some people report redness, bruising around the eye, scratchiness and blurry vision after surgery. All of these symptoms are normal and should subside.