Cataract surgery involves the removal of the eye’s natural lens, which develops opacification or cataracts due to metabolic changes over time. This clouding impairs vision, and the surgery aims to restore transparency. During the procedure, the cloudy natural lens is extracted and replaced with a synthetic lens to regain clarity.
The surgical process, performed by an experienced ophthalmologist, is generally an outpatient procedure in a surgical center or hospital. Local anesthesia ensures minimal discomfort, with a success rate of well over 90% in restoring useful vision and a low complication rate. Modern cataract surgery employs high-volume, minimally invasive techniques, such as small incision phacoemulsification, ensuring quick post-operative recovery and making it the global standard of care.