Surgery is the only effective way to remove the cloudy lens. Dr. Lockhart uses the most modern technique, which is no-stitch cataract surgery. This procedure involves removing the cataract through a small, tunnel-like corneal incision with a tine ultrasonic probe. This technique is called phacoemulsification. You will be given a local anesthetic or topical anesthetic which will numb the eye and therefore, you will be comfortable.
Many patients report improved vision within the first few hours after surgery.
You may go back to your routine activities the very next day. When the operation is over, Dr. Lockhart will decide whether a patch is necessary. After a short stay in the outpatient recovery area, you will be ready to go home. You should plan to have someone else drive you home. There is no known prevention for cataracts, but permanent loss of sight is usually preventable because modern cataract treatment is highly successful.