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What is a cataract?
A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye. The lens keeps images focused, so if it gets clouded, your vision can get blurry. Cataracts are very common in older people. In fact, most people get them by the age of 80. Fortunately, there is simple surgery that can remove cataracts.
Why does a cataract need to be removed?
If needed, we wear glasses or contact lenses to have clearer vision. Once a cataract forms, glasses or contact lenses don't help. Over time, the cataract could get worse and could cause total blindness.
A simple form of surgery can remove cataracts permanently.
How is a cataract removed?
Surgery is done to remove the lens that has the cataract and replace it with an artificial lens. It's one of the most common operations done in this country.
First, drops are put into your eye to get it ready. Then a small incision is made in the eye and the lens is removed. An artificial plastic or acrylic lens is put in. This permanent lens is called an IOL (intraocular lens). You shouldn't feel any pain during the surgery.
Most people have clear vision after the surgery, even if they wore thick glasses before the operation because of the cataracts. People are amazed at how well they can see without glasses. Cataract surgery doesn't correct other vision problems.
How long does the procedure take?
The surgery usually is done as an outpatient and can take less than 15 minutes. You may even be awake during the surgery, but you shouldn't feel any pain. Most patients go home the same day as the surgery if there are no major problems. You may need to wear an eye patch for several hours after the operation.
What are the risks?
The operation is considered low risk, so major problems are rare. Bleeding and infection are possible in the eye. The risk for blindness is very small. There are also the usual risks that go along with any kind of surgery, such as anesthesia side effects.
Talk to your doctor if you think you have a cataract.
This article was reviewed and updated
June 2007.
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