How does cataract surgery work?

Like most patients, my wife was very apprehensive prior to her cataract surgery. works by replacing the cloudy natural lens with a clear, artificial intraocular lens (IOL). The procedure, often using a technique called phacoemulsification, involves numbing the eye, making a small incision, using ultrasound to break up the cataract, and vacuuming out the pieces before inserting the new lens. 

At first, the eye is numbed with anesthetic eye drops and sometimes a gel or injection to ensure the procedure is painless. A very small incision is made in the side of the cornea to access the natural lens. There, an ultrasonic probe is used to break the cloudy lens into small pieces. Some surgeons may use a laser to help divide the cataract into segments that are then vacuumed out of the eye through the incision. 

A permanent artificial intraocular lens (IOL), made of plastic, is folded and inserted through the incision. Once inside the eye, it unfolds to replace the natural lens. The incision is often self-sealing due to its small size. The surgery is quick, often taking about 5-10 minutes, though the overall appointment time is longer but the patient can go home a few minutes later. 

Healing takes several weeks, and the patient needs hundreds of eye drops to prevent infection and inflammation. A plastic eye shield is also recommended for protection during the first two nights. Now that you know pretty much everything about the procedure, don't hesitate to have the surgery if the need arises. 

My wife had no problems, but my ophthalmologist told me that I needed to wait another 10 years. I protested, replying, "If I'm lucky enough to still be alive!"