Cataract and Lens Implants

Many people have early cataracts and are unaware of them. The mere presence of a cataract does not mean you need surgery. If you see well enough to do most things you want to do, then you most likely do not need to have surgery.

On the other hand, if your decreased vision interferes significantly with your lifestyle, surgery may be beneficial. Cataract surgery can be done at any time and at any age. In the vast majority of cases, it is an elective procedure.

The decision to have the operation must be made by you based on advice from your ophthalmologist.

Earlier, a cataract had to "ripen" before removal. Now, with new surgical techniques, a cataract may be removed at any stage. There are several ways to remove a cataract.

The most common technique is phacoemulsification technique, an ultrasound probe is placed inside the eye through a small incision and is used to break the lens into many pieces which are then sucked out of the eye.

A soft plastic intraocular lens is then carefully placed inside the eye, and visual recovery is usually rapid. Suturing the incision may be necessary in some cases.

How safe is Cataract Surgery  |  Intraocular Lens  |  Patient Care