Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat It IsPurposeHow to PrepareWhat to ExpectRecoveryLong-Term CarePotential RisksNext in Cataract Surgery GuideCataract Surgery: How To Prepare
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What It Is
Purpose
How to Prepare
What to Expect
Recovery
Long-Term Care
Potential Risks
Next in Cataract Surgery Guide
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What Is Cataract Surgery?
During cataract surgery, a patient’s cloudy lens is broken into pieces and removed. The surgeon then replaces the removed lens with an artificial one called an intraocular implant, or IOL.
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Since cataract surgery is performed underlocal anesthesia, patients go home after the procedure; they do not require care overnight in a hospital. While the surgery itself usually takes less than 30 minutes to complete, patients can expect to be at the center or hospital for several hours, due to preoperative checks and postoperative recoveries.
If a person has cataracts in both eyes, they will usually undergo one surgery at a time, generally a few weeks apart. This is done to minimize any possible complications and give the first eye operated on proper time to heal.
Cataracts are rare in children but may be treated with surgery under general anesthesia.
Congenital Cataracts in Babies and Children
Various Surgical Techniques
There are a few main cataract surgery techniques. Your surgeon will choose the best one for your procedure based on factors like the size and location of your cataract.
Traditional Cataract Surgery With Phacoemulsification
Phacoemulsificationis the most common technique used to remove a cataract. With this technique, a surgeon uses a surgical blade to make a small incision (ranging between 2 to 3 millimeters, or mm) in the cornea. Then, another incision is made in the capsule (the clean, thin bag that holds the lens).
Through a process called phacoemulsification, an ultrasound device is placed through the incision, emitting highly focused sound waves into the eye to break the cloudy lens (the cataract) into tiny pieces.
The pieces of the lens are then removed using gentle suction from a vacuum attached to the device. At this time, the artificial lens can be inserted into the capsule.
The incision is closed with a special liquid; stitches are not usually needed.
To summarize, ophthalmologists often explain traditional cataract surgery like this: Think of an M&M candy inside an eye: the goal is to create an opening in the top shell, scoop out the dark, cloudy chocolate, and then put in a lens between the two shells.
Extracapsular Cataract Extraction
This is a less commonly used technique and involves the surgeon making a larger incision (10 mm) in the eye to remove the lens in one piece. Suction may be used if additional pieces remain.
As with phacoemulsification, once the lens is removed, an IOL can be placed.
The incision is closed with several sutures or stitches.
Intracapsular Cataract Surgery
This procedure involves removing the entire lens and capsule through a large incision.
Intracapsular cataract surgery is rarely performed. This technique may result in more complications and slower healing than surgeries that involve a smaller incision.
Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery
Laser-assisted cataract surgeryinvolves using anoptical coherence tomographyimage to help the surgeon create precise and specific laser incisions in the cornea and the capsule. The laser then softens the cataract and breaks it up into small pieces.
After the pieces are removed, a new intraocular lens can be implanted into the capsule.
The new IOL can also simultaneously correct an eye condition calledastigmatism.
While more investigation is required, there does not appear to be a major difference in safety or visual outcomes when comparing traditional cataract surgery with phacoemulsification to laser cataract surgery.
Contraindications
While there are no absolute contraindications to undergoing cataract surgery, possible ones include:
Purpose of Cataract Surgery
The overall purpose of cataract surgery is to replace a person’s cloudy lens with a clear, artificial one in order to improve their vision.
Cataract surgery is mostly indicated when a person’s cataracts and associated vision symptoms are negatively impacting their ability to perform daily functions, like reading and driving.
Less commonly, the presence of another eye condition, likediabetic retinopathyor macular degeneration, may be an indication for cataract surgery. This is because removing the cataract may be necessary in order for the other eye condition to be visualized and managed properly.
If you and your healthcare provider are considering cataract surgery, you will undergo several diagnostic tests, such as a refraction test,slit lamp exam, andoptical coherence tomography (OCT).
These tests allow your healthcare provider order to thoroughly understand your visual function, look for coexisting eye diseases that may affect your candidacy or complicate the surgery, and determine the refractive (focusing) power for your artificial lens.
Once you and your ophthalmologist have made the decision to move forward with cataract surgery, and you have completed all of your pre-operative tests and thoroughly reviewed all the potential risks, you can begin to prepare for your surgery.
Preparation for cataract surgery involves reviewing the following logistics with your healthcare provider and their surgical staff:
You will also want to arrange for a family member or friend to drive you home after the surgery.
What to Expect on the Day of Surgery
On the day of your cataract surgery, you will arrive at either the outpatient surgical center or the hospital. You may fill out some forms at this time, including a consent form.
Upon entering the operating room, you may be given ananti-anxiety medicationto help you relax.
Right after surgery, your surgeon will do a quick examination of your eye and cover it with an eye shield. You will then be taken to a recovery room where you will rest for about 15 to 30 minutes.
During your immediate recovery from cataract surgery (i.e., the first 24 to 48 hours), your eyes may feel itchy and appear red (however, you should not rub them). Other initial common complaints include soreness, irritation, burning, or stinging. Your vision may also be blurry, which is normal. Eye itchiness usually resolves within a couple of days, while blurry vision may take up to a week.
In addition to keeping tabs on your symptoms during recovery, it’s also important to follow your surgeon’s instructions, which will include:
Recovery From Cataract Surgery
After cataract surgery, your eye will take up to eight weeks to fully heal.
The vast majority (around 90%) of people have an improvement in their vision after cataract surgery; nevertheless, their vision is not perfect.
Many people still require eyeglasses or contact lenses after surgery, usually for specific activities, like reading.Most children require one of these options after cataract surgery to optimize their visual development.
Lastly, it’s important to mention that after cataract surgery, you will need to continue regular eye exams in order to monitor for post-surgical complications and for your overall eye health.
All surgeries carry some potential risks or complications, and cataract surgery is no exception. That said, these complications are generally very preventive and many can be addressed if treated promptly.
Complications of cataract surgery include:
Rare complications include:
Cataract Surgery Complications and Side Effects
A Word From Verywell
Even though cataract surgery is a safe, common, and highly effective procedure, it’s important to do your research and choose a surgeon who is qualified and has ample experience performing the procedure.
When selecting your surgeon, be sure to talk with your eye doctor and ask for a referral. You may also consider reaching out to family and friends who have undergone the surgery and/or using theAmerican Academy of Ophthalmology’s searchable databasethat allows you to pull results based on your zip code.
14 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Cleveland Clinic.Cataracts in children.Davis G.The Evolution of Cataract Surgery.Mo Med.113(1): 58–62.American Academy of Ophthalmology.Early Intracapsular Cataract Extraction.Boyd K. American Academy of Opthalmology.Traditional Cataract Surgery Vs. Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery.Day AC, Gore DM, Bunce C, Evans JR.Laser-assisted Cataract Surgery Versus Standard Ultrasound Phacoemulsification Cataract Surgery.Cochrane Database Syst Rev.2016 Jul 8;7(7):CD010735. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD010735.pub2American Optometric Association.Cataract.Li E, Margo CE, Greenberg PB.A Primary Care Provider’s Guide to Cataract Surgery in the Very Elderly.Fed Pract.2019 Apr; 36(4): 176–180.Gogate P, Wood M.Recognising ‘high-risk’ eyes before cataract surgery.Community Eye Health.2008 Mar; 21(65): 12–14.Chan E, Mahroo OAR, Spalton DJ.Complications of Cataract Surgery.Clin Exp Optom.2010 Nov;93(6):379-89. doi:10.1111/j.1444-0938.2010.00516.xKhazaeni LM. Merck Manual. Professional Version.Cataract.American Academy of Ophthalmology.Cataract Surgery.National Eye Institute.Cataracts.Foo R, Tsai A, Lim L. American Academy of Opthalmology.Management of Suprachoroidal Hemorrhage.American Society of Retinal Specialists.Intraocular Lens Dislocation.Additional ReadingChildren’s Hospital of Philadelphia.Cataracts in Children.Kellogg Eye Center.Laser Cataract Surgery FAQs.Kim JY, Jo M-W, Brauner SC, Ferrufino-Ponce Z, Ali R, Cremers SL, Henderson BA.Increased intraocular pressure on the first postoperative day following resident-performed cataract surgery.Eye (Lond).2011 Jul; 25(7): 929–936. doi:10.1038/eye.2011.93Stein JD.Serious adverse events after cataract surgery.Curr Opin Ophthalmol. 2012;23(3):219-225. doi:10.1097/ICU.0b013e3283524068
14 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Cleveland Clinic.Cataracts in children.Davis G.The Evolution of Cataract Surgery.Mo Med.113(1): 58–62.American Academy of Ophthalmology.Early Intracapsular Cataract Extraction.Boyd K. American Academy of Opthalmology.Traditional Cataract Surgery Vs. Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery.Day AC, Gore DM, Bunce C, Evans JR.Laser-assisted Cataract Surgery Versus Standard Ultrasound Phacoemulsification Cataract Surgery.Cochrane Database Syst Rev.2016 Jul 8;7(7):CD010735. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD010735.pub2American Optometric Association.Cataract.Li E, Margo CE, Greenberg PB.A Primary Care Provider’s Guide to Cataract Surgery in the Very Elderly.Fed Pract.2019 Apr; 36(4): 176–180.Gogate P, Wood M.Recognising ‘high-risk’ eyes before cataract surgery.Community Eye Health.2008 Mar; 21(65): 12–14.Chan E, Mahroo OAR, Spalton DJ.Complications of Cataract Surgery.Clin Exp Optom.2010 Nov;93(6):379-89. doi:10.1111/j.1444-0938.2010.00516.xKhazaeni LM. Merck Manual. Professional Version.Cataract.American Academy of Ophthalmology.Cataract Surgery.National Eye Institute.Cataracts.Foo R, Tsai A, Lim L. American Academy of Opthalmology.Management of Suprachoroidal Hemorrhage.American Society of Retinal Specialists.Intraocular Lens Dislocation.Additional ReadingChildren’s Hospital of Philadelphia.Cataracts in Children.Kellogg Eye Center.Laser Cataract Surgery FAQs.Kim JY, Jo M-W, Brauner SC, Ferrufino-Ponce Z, Ali R, Cremers SL, Henderson BA.Increased intraocular pressure on the first postoperative day following resident-performed cataract surgery.Eye (Lond).2011 Jul; 25(7): 929–936. doi:10.1038/eye.2011.93Stein JD.Serious adverse events after cataract surgery.Curr Opin Ophthalmol. 2012;23(3):219-225. doi:10.1097/ICU.0b013e3283524068
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Cleveland Clinic.Cataracts in children.Davis G.The Evolution of Cataract Surgery.Mo Med.113(1): 58–62.American Academy of Ophthalmology.Early Intracapsular Cataract Extraction.Boyd K. American Academy of Opthalmology.Traditional Cataract Surgery Vs. Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery.Day AC, Gore DM, Bunce C, Evans JR.Laser-assisted Cataract Surgery Versus Standard Ultrasound Phacoemulsification Cataract Surgery.Cochrane Database Syst Rev.2016 Jul 8;7(7):CD010735. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD010735.pub2American Optometric Association.Cataract.Li E, Margo CE, Greenberg PB.A Primary Care Provider’s Guide to Cataract Surgery in the Very Elderly.Fed Pract.2019 Apr; 36(4): 176–180.Gogate P, Wood M.Recognising ‘high-risk’ eyes before cataract surgery.Community Eye Health.2008 Mar; 21(65): 12–14.Chan E, Mahroo OAR, Spalton DJ.Complications of Cataract Surgery.Clin Exp Optom.2010 Nov;93(6):379-89. doi:10.1111/j.1444-0938.2010.00516.xKhazaeni LM. Merck Manual. Professional Version.Cataract.American Academy of Ophthalmology.Cataract Surgery.National Eye Institute.Cataracts.Foo R, Tsai A, Lim L. American Academy of Opthalmology.Management of Suprachoroidal Hemorrhage.American Society of Retinal Specialists.Intraocular Lens Dislocation.
Cleveland Clinic.Cataracts in children.
Davis G.The Evolution of Cataract Surgery.Mo Med.113(1): 58–62.
American Academy of Ophthalmology.Early Intracapsular Cataract Extraction.
Boyd K. American Academy of Opthalmology.Traditional Cataract Surgery Vs. Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery.
Day AC, Gore DM, Bunce C, Evans JR.Laser-assisted Cataract Surgery Versus Standard Ultrasound Phacoemulsification Cataract Surgery.Cochrane Database Syst Rev.2016 Jul 8;7(7):CD010735. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD010735.pub2
American Optometric Association.Cataract.
Li E, Margo CE, Greenberg PB.A Primary Care Provider’s Guide to Cataract Surgery in the Very Elderly.Fed Pract.2019 Apr; 36(4): 176–180.
Gogate P, Wood M.Recognising ‘high-risk’ eyes before cataract surgery.Community Eye Health.2008 Mar; 21(65): 12–14.
Chan E, Mahroo OAR, Spalton DJ.Complications of Cataract Surgery.Clin Exp Optom.2010 Nov;93(6):379-89. doi:10.1111/j.1444-0938.2010.00516.x
Khazaeni LM. Merck Manual. Professional Version.Cataract.
American Academy of Ophthalmology.Cataract Surgery.
National Eye Institute.Cataracts.
Foo R, Tsai A, Lim L. American Academy of Opthalmology.Management of Suprachoroidal Hemorrhage.
American Society of Retinal Specialists.Intraocular Lens Dislocation.
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.Cataracts in Children.Kellogg Eye Center.Laser Cataract Surgery FAQs.Kim JY, Jo M-W, Brauner SC, Ferrufino-Ponce Z, Ali R, Cremers SL, Henderson BA.Increased intraocular pressure on the first postoperative day following resident-performed cataract surgery.Eye (Lond).2011 Jul; 25(7): 929–936. doi:10.1038/eye.2011.93Stein JD.Serious adverse events after cataract surgery.Curr Opin Ophthalmol. 2012;23(3):219-225. doi:10.1097/ICU.0b013e3283524068
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.Cataracts in Children.
Kellogg Eye Center.Laser Cataract Surgery FAQs.
Kim JY, Jo M-W, Brauner SC, Ferrufino-Ponce Z, Ali R, Cremers SL, Henderson BA.Increased intraocular pressure on the first postoperative day following resident-performed cataract surgery.Eye (Lond).2011 Jul; 25(7): 929–936. doi:10.1038/eye.2011.93
Stein JD.Serious adverse events after cataract surgery.Curr Opin Ophthalmol. 2012;23(3):219-225. doi:10.1097/ICU.0b013e3283524068
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