The eye is a marvelous optical instrument which takes the images from the real-world and focuses them on a tiny spot in the back of the eye. The ability to focus these images comes from two parts of the eye, the lens of the eye and the front cover of the eye, or the cornea. The lens accounts for about one third of the focusing power.

A cataract occurs when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy so that it can no longer focus the real-world images. Patients with cataracts see the world as very hazy, because light cannot pass freely through the lens to be focused on the back of the eye. If glasses do not help improve the vision or reduce the other symptoms of cataracts, the most likely option is to remove the cataract by surgery. The indications for cataract surgery is different for everyone, but the most common reason is blurred vision for driving, reading, watching television or any activities you performed on a daily or weekly basis. Another common indication is glare and halo effects which make driving difficult.

Modern Cataract Surgery Procedure

Cataract surgery has change much over the past 20 years. It is still a procedure that removes the cloudy lens from the eye. However, modern surgical techniques and equipments have enabled this procedure to be performed very efficiently and with much less risk than previous surgical techniques. A local anesthetic is used and the surgeon makes a small incision in the outer covering of the eye. Then a common technique, called phacoemulsification, is used to remove the lens through a small incision, around 1/8th of an inch, and leaves the outer capsular bag.

At least 99% of the patients receive an artificial lens implant after the cataract is removed. This lens is called an intraocular lens or IOL and is made from the same plastic as certain types of contact lenses. In most cases, a special tiny foldable IOL is used for implantation. This type of lens is inserted into the eye through the small cataract incision site. Once in the eye, the lens unfolds to its full size.

The intraocular lens is inserted into the eye through a small incision.

The IOL replaces the eye's focusing power of the natural lens. Without this lens, the eye cannot focus. In a small number of cases, usually in pediatric cataract surgery, an IOL is not used and the patients must wear glasses or contact lenses to help them see. IOLs are beneficial because they are permanent in the eye. The IOL is fixed and held in place by the capsular bag. Sometimes, the IOL is placed on top of the capsular bag. In either case, the IOL do not get lost, like glasses, or have to be replaced, like contact lenses. In most cases, the focusing power of the IOL can be determined so that it closely matches your eye. With an IOL, glasses for distance vision may not be needed, but glasses will still be necessary for near vision or correction of any astigmatism. Some patients prefer monovision, where the IOL is carefully selected to enable the patient to see distance with one eye and up close with the other eye.

New advances in IOL have created lens which enables patients to see up close and distance without glasses. These are called presbyopia correcting or accommodative IOL. Please consult with your eye surgeon to see if you are a good candidate for these special IOL.

The intraocular lens is placed in the capsular bag.

Risk and Benefits of Surgery

This type of small incision, no stitch, no needle cataract surgery technique has many benefits. It allows quicker vision rehabilitation, more patient comfort and reduces surgical risks and complications.

There are some risks as with any surgical procedures. The major risks include infection, bleeding, swelling and retina problems. Your eye surgeon will discuss potential complications of cataract surgery and IOP implantation with you. The FAQ section on surgery can provide additional answer for many of your questions on cataract surgery.