Illinois Society for the Prevention of Blindness

When an early cataract appears, its progress will be carefully watched by your eye care professional. Surgery is usually not recommended until the cataract begins to affect everyday activities, such as driving, reading or watching TV.

There are two primary ways to remove a cataract. They are:

• Phacoemulsification, or phaco. A small incision is made on the side of the cornea. A tiny probe is then inserted into the eye, which emits ultra sound waves that soften and breaks up the cloudy center of the lens so it can be removed by suction.




• Extracapsular surgery. A slightly longer incision is made on the side of the cornea and the hard center of the lens is removed. The remainder of the lens is removed by suction.

There are two steps involved in the cataract surgery: the removal of the cloudy lens and the permanent replacement of a clear, man-made lens, known as an IOL (intraocular lens ). These lenses are available in a variety of designs and optical powers, including optical corrections for near– and far-sightedness and in some particular cases of astigmatism. For people who are not candidates for an IOL implant — possible problems during surgery or diagnosed with other eye diseases — a soft contact lens or eyeglasses with powerful magnification may be suggested.

Lasers are not routinely used in cataract surgery. However, clinical studies and research are ongoing.