Who may need cataract surgery?

A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear, natural crystalline lens in the eye. This clouding is due to the aging process, but can also be caused by eye trauma, diabetes, some medications or be hereditary. Whatever the cause, cataracts typically result in blurred or fuzzy vision and sensitivity to light.

Cataract formation occurs at different rates and can affect one or both eyes at the same time. Fortunately, with modern medical technology, cataracts can be effectively treated through the use of microsurgical techniques. In fact, cataract surgery is one of the most successful surgical procedures performed today - about 95% of all cataract surgery results in an improvement in vision.

The best way to treat a cataract is to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with a new, clear artificial lens. This can be accomplished in two ways. The first technique is called "extracapsular extraction" (ECCE) and involves removing the cloudy lens in one piece. This technique requires a relatively large incision of 10-12 mm in length. The second technique is the latest advance in cataract removal. It is called "phacoemulsification" or "phaco" for short.

In phaco surgery, a small ultrasonic probe is inserted into the eye. This probe breaks (emulsifies) the cloudy lens into tiny pieces. These pieces are then removed by suction from the eye. Phaco requires a small incision of only 3.2 mm or less.

In the event that you require cataract surgery, your surgeon will determine which method is most appropriate for your condition.