Other eye problems such as corneal disease, glaucoma, retinal problems, or optic nerve problems may limit a full recovery of vision. Sometimes, other tests are needed to help to sort this out. Cataract sugery is considered if a loss of vision is caused by the cataract, and if it seems that improvement would occur in vision with surgery. A careful explanation of the risks and potential benefits need to be explained to the patient by the surgeon prior to surgery. The goal of the surgery is to allow a return of vision as fast as possible and without restricting a person's lifestyle during the recovery period.
Cataract surgery is done as an outpatient operation in a operating room.
A person has dilating drops placed in the eye prior to surgery. Anesthesia is a combination of sedation with local anesthesia. The operation usually takes 30 to 60 minutes to perform. This uses ultrasound to break apart the lens, which is then aspirated using fluid suction. Lasers are not used to remove a cataract at this point.