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Cataract Surgery

Surgery Overview

Cataract surgery helps you see better. It replaces your natural lens, which has become cloudy, with a clear artificial one.

Types of cataract surgery include:

  • Phacoemulsification. This is the most common type of surgery. The doctor makes a small cut in your eye and uses an ultrasound tool to break your cloudy lens apart. The small pieces of the lens are removed and replaced with an artificial lens.
  • Extracapsular extraction. This uses a larger cut to remove the lens in one piece. It is replaced with an artificial lens.
  • Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS). This uses laser technology and replaces the natural lens with an artificial lens.

Before surgery, you may be given medicine to help you relax. Medicine will be used to numb your eye. After surgery, you may have a bandage or shield on your eye.

Most people will see better in 1 to 3 days.

Information about Cataract Surgery

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

Information about Cataract Surgery

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.