This method could cause glaucoma. A later variant called for removing the entire lens through a large incision while leaving the bag intact. However, in modern cataract surgery, we remove the diseased lens through a tiny incision and avoid taking out the bag. We can correct the vision problem with a minimum chance of complication in many patients. An instrument shaped like an ice cream scoop is used to extract the cataract and old lens.
Surgeons bombard the eye with sound waves to break up the cataract.
A tiny incision is made in the cornea, the surface of the eye. The surgeons break the lens into small pieces and, using the extraction instrument, carefully remove the pieces. The incision is only large enough to permit passage of the instrument. The lens implant is inserted through the incision and pops into place. Cataracts occur with advancing age.