A cataract in the early stages poses no health risk. Cataract surgery is common and nearly always performed on an outpatient basis. Eye drops are prescribed after the initial surgery, and the patient is examined several times throughout the healing process. You will still need to use glasses or contact lenses after the surgery. If surgery is needed for both eyes the second eye is usually not done until the first eye has had time to heal.
Surgical treatment is performed by the ophthalmologist.
Lasers are not used to remove cataracts. The back of the capsule is left inside the eye, and serves to support the intraocular lens. In approximately 20 percent of all persons having cataract surgery, the natural capsule will eventually become cloudy, and laser surgery will be required at that time to restore clear vision. The laser procedure is straightforward, similar to having your eyes dilated for a normal exam. Over 95 percent of all cataract surgeries result in improved vision.