Cataract removal

Alternative Names: Cataract extraction; Cataract surgery

Cataract removal is surgery to remove a clouded lens (cataract) from the eye. Cataracts are removed to help you see better. The procedure almost always includes placing an artificial lens in the eye.

Description of Procedure

Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure. This means you likely do not have to stay overnight at a hospital.

• Adults are usually awake for the procedure. Numbing medicine (local anesthesia)is given using eye drops or sometimes a shot. This blocks pain. You will also get medicine to help you relax.
• Children usually receive general anesthesia. This makes them unconscious and unable to feel pain.

The surgeon uses a microscope to look at the eye. A small cut is made in the eye. The lens is removed. How it is removed depends on the type of cataract. It may be done:

• With special tools and suction
• Using sound waves (ultrasonic energy) that break up the lens and suction to remove the lens pieces. This is called phacoemulsification. It is the most modern method, and can be done using a very small surgical cut.
• Newer methods involve using lasers to make a more precise cut. This is needed for newer types of lens.

A man-made lens, called an artificial intraocular lens (IOL), is usually placed into the eye next. It will help improve your vision.

The doctor will close the wound with very small stitches. Sometimes, a self-sealing (sutureless) method is used. If you have stitches, they may need to be removed later.

The surgery usually lasts less than an hour. Most times, just one eye is done. If you have cataracts in both eyes, your doctor may suggest waiting 1 to 2 months between each surgery.

Risks of Cataract removal

Complications of cataract surgery are rare.

Rarely, the surgeon is not able to remove the entire lens. If this happens, a procedure to remove all of the lens fragments will be needed at a later time. Most patients who need this procedure still do very well.

Very rare complications can include infection and bleeding. This can lead to permanent vision problems.

Eye	Slit-lamp exam	Cataract - close-up of the eye	Cataract
Cataract surgery - series

Review Date: 9/14/2011
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; Franklin W. Lusby, MD, Ophthalmologist, Lusby Vision Institute, La Jolla, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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