Cataract surgery involves removing a cloudy part of the eye’s lens and replacing it with an artificial lens for the purpose of restoring vision. The surgery is minimally invasive and can be conducted on an outpatient basis. In this article, we will cover the basics of cataract surgery to help patients develop an understanding as to what happens during the procedure.
For most cataract surgeries, a high frequency ultrasound device will be used to break up the cloudy lens of the eye into smaller pieces, which are then removed using varying levels of suction. This procedure represents the latest in cataract surgery technology and requires smaller incisions compared to prior techniques.
After the cloudy parts of the lens have been removed, the surgeon will insert a clear IOL (intraocular lens) behind the pupil and iris, placed in the same position that the natural lens was in. The IOL may also be placed in front of the pupil and iris in some cases; however, this is not very common and will be evaluated on a patient by patient basis. By replacing the clouded natural lens with an artificial, clear lens, vision is restored to the patient.
The cataract removal procedure is completed by the surgeon by closing the initial incision. A protective shield is placed over the eye after the operations to ensure the eye is kept safe during the early stages of recovery. Laser assisted cataract surgery reduces recovery time for patients, getting you back to clear vision faster. The team at Eye Michigan can be reached online or by phone at (248) 221-1022 to schedule an appointment.