Cataract Removal

Procedure to remove a cataract, which is a clouding of the lens of the eye

Parts of the Body Involved

Eye (cornea, lens, membrane lining the eyelid)

Reasons for Procedure

The lens of the eye, which is responsible for focusing images onto the retina, is normally transparent. If blood flow to the surrounding area is impaired, the lens begins to cloud and causes a progressive, painless loss of vision.

Cataract removal is most often performed for the following reasons:

To restore normal or near-normal vision
To better follow the course of diabetic retinopathy or glaucoma

Risk Factors for Complications during the Procedure

Obesity
Smoking
Diabetes
Recent or chronic illness
Heavy bleeding
Infection

What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

Your doctor will likely do the following:

Eye exam
Ultrasound (a test that uses sound waves to examine the eye) to measure the eye for replacement lens
Administer eyedrops

During Procedure

Outcome

You should notice improvements in your vision. Since each implant is individually fitted for each patient and has the potential to correct both nearsightedness and farsightedness, you will likely need weaker vision correction, or possibly none at all, after this procedure.

You should be up and about within 3-5 days. Expect complete healing in about 10 weeks. Make it a habit to wear ultraviolet-protecting dark glasses when you are outside to prevent further cataract formation.

Call Your Doctor If Any of the Following Occurs

Signs of infection, including fever and chills
Sudden change in vision
Sharp pain or blood in the eye
Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or discharge from the incision site