As cataracts develop, however, progressive opacity blocks the normal path of light entering the eye such that vision becomes obscured. The purpose of cataract surgery is to remove the clouded lens in order to create an unobstructed pathway for light, thereby restoring clear vision. An ophthalmologist will take several measurements to assess the type of surgery needed. Included in these tests may be an ultrasound of the eye as well as other non-invasive means of evaluating the eye's curvature. Routine pre-operative testing is often done to assess overall general health prior to the operation.
Most patients are able to undergo cataract extraction regardless of concurrent illnesses.
The surgery is performed in a hospital or in an outpatient setting. The surgery typically lasts less than an hour. Since this operation is most often performed on an outpatient basis, the patient returns home the same day. A patch is placed over the operative eye and is removed during examination the next day. Antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops will be prescribed for several weeks to assist the healing process.