Over 1 million cataract surgeries are performed in the United States each year. Two types of surgery are used: phacoemulsification and extracapsular surgery. In both types, after the natural lens has been removed, it is replaced by an artificial one, called an intraocular lens. In about 90 percent of cases, people who have surgery to remove cataracts have better vision afterward.
The surgery usually takes less than an hour, and many patients choose to remain awake for the procedure. Following the surgery, you can quickly return to many everyday activities. However, your vision may still be blurry for a while. Be sure to talk with your doctor about when you will be able to drive again. Also be aware that once your eye heals, you may need new glasses or contact lenses.
(Click Cataract Surgery for a more detailed look at how this surgery is performed. You can also click on any of the links in the box to the right for more specific information.)
