Cataract removal

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	Cataract - close-up of the eye	Eye
Slit-lamp exam

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The purpose of cataract surgery is to remove the clouded lens and replace it with an artificial lens to restore clear vision. Your doctor may recommend cataract removal surgery if you have loss of vision or other vision problems caused by clouding of your lens.

Cataracts usually do not harm your eye, so surgery can be done when it is convenient for you.

An ophthalmologist (a medical doctor who treats the eye) will give you a complete eye exam and eye tests. These tests will include an ultrasound or another method that allows the doctor to see the inside of your eye. These tests help your doctor choose the new lens that will be placed in your eye during surgery. Your doctor may prescribe eye drops before the surgery.

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You will probably return home after surgery and then have a follow-up exam with your doctor the next day. Your doctor may ask you to wear a patch over your operated eye until your exam the next day. After this, you may want to wear dark sunglasses outside.

Your doctor may prescribe antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops to use for 1 or more weeks to help with healing.

Make sure your hands are clean before touching your eye. Try not to get soap and water in your eye when you are bathing or showering for the first few days.

If your doctor closed your incision with sutures, you may need to schedule a visit to have them removed.

Take it easy. Light activities are best as you recover. Check with your doctor before doing any strenuous activity, resuming sexual activity, or driving.

Expect complete healing in about 10 weeks. If you need new glasses or contact lenses, have them fitted after you have healed completely. It is important to have a follow-up visit with your doctor.

The outcome of cataract surgery is usually excellent. The operation has low risk, the pain is minimal, and recovery time is short. Sight improves for most people.

Review Date: 02/17/2009
Reviewed By: Paul B. Griggs, MD, Department of Ophthalmology, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle , WA . Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).