Cataract removal

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Eye

Slit-lamp exam

Cataract - close-up of the eye

Cataract

Cataract surgery - series

Overview

Recovery

Risks

Cataract removal

Alternative Names:

Cataract extraction; Cataract surgery
Risks:

Complications of cataract surgery are not common, and serious complications are rare. Most patients have better vision after cataract surgery.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Q: Will a laser be used to remove my cataract?

A: No. Lasers are not used to remove cataracts, though they likely will be in the future. Several months after the surgery, a laser can be used to break apart remaining old lens fragments sitting behind the new artificial lens, if necessary.

Q: Will it harm my eye to wait to remove the cataract?

A: No. Cataracts do not harm the eye. You should have your cataract removed when it is convenient for you and only if you are unhappy with your vision.

Q: If I have a cataract in each eye, can I have them both done at the same time?

A: No. Usually one eye is allowed to heal before the operation is repeated on the other eye. Most surgeons recommend waiting 1 to 2 months between procedures.