What is a cataract?

A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s normally transparent crystalline lens. The human lens is located directly posterior to the iris the colored part of the eye, that creates the window that lets light into the back of the eye.

The onset of cataracts are so gradual, that you hardly notice it, until one day, your ability to perform every day functions, such as driving, becomes slightly impaired. The cataract is neither a growth nor a film over the eye, as some people believe. It is part of the normal human aging process. Years ago, cataracts were not removed until they had grown very dense or “ripe”, which meant that for some time the patient was forced to tolerate functional blindness in the affected eye.

Today, the surgical removal of a cataract is much safer, as the surgery is done through a tiny incision that does not require sutures. Today, there is a much lower chance of complications and the procedure is painless. In fact, many of the surgeons of today use only topical anesthesia on the patient’s cornea.

How does the surgeon perform cataract surgery?

For patients, it's a simple operation. A tiny incision is made in the eye. Through this incision, the surgeon inserts an instrument, about the size of a pen tip. The surgeon may select to use either an AquaLase® * device, which uses gentle pulses of liquid to wash away the cloudy lens, or an ultrasonic instrument that breaks up and gently removes the cloudy lens.

Once the clouded lens has been removed, the next step is to replace it. That is, to implant an artificial lens that will do the work of your own lens. This artificial lens is referred to as an intraocular lens or IOL.

How will it feel?

Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure. You'll spend just a few hours at the site. You should feel little to no discomfort because your eye will be treated with anesthetic.

After the surgery, you'll be given a short time to rest. Then, the very same day, you can go home. Within the next 24 hours, your doctor will probably want to see you for an evaluation. Drops will be prescribed to guard against infection and help your eyes heal. For a few days, you may need to wear a clear shield, especially at night, to prevent you from rubbing your eye.