What is a Cataract?
A cataract is the clouding of the eye’s natural lens, leading to blurred or poor vision. It is common in older adults but can also occur due to injury, medications, or other medical conditions.
Cataract surgery is recommended when
- Vision problems interfere with daily activities (driving, reading, etc.)
- Glasses or contact lenses no longer improve vision
- The cataract affects the examination or treatment of other eye diseases
Phacoemulsification (Phaco) – Most Common
- A small incision is made
- An ultrasound probe breaks up the cloudy lens
- The lens pieces are removed and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL)
Extracapsular Cataract Extraction (ECCE)
- A larger incision is made
- The cloudy lens is removed in one piece
- Suitable for advanced cataracts or special cases
