Cataract Surgery

A Guide To Cataract Surgery

Nearly one in fifty Americans is living with cataracts – 5.5 million people. As we age, the lens of the eye, which is normally clear, soft and pliable, becomes firm and opaque, obscuring the passage of light through the eye into the retina. Over time, vision can be impaired as the condition progresses. Untreated cataracts can lead to glaucoma, which damages the optic nerve and can cause blindness.

There is no scientifically proven cure for cataracts. Antioxidant vitamins and protective lenses can slow the progress of the disease, but the only treatment that can restore vision is cataract surgery. Lutein and Zeaxanthin, key components of several VisiVite vitamins like i-Defense Gold, may also have some theoretical benefit in cataract prevention. Cataract surgery removes the opaque lens and implants a clear plastic lens in its place to focus light into the eye. The procedure is safe, minimally invasive, with a high success rate, and is a same-day procedure requiring only local anesthesia.

Types of Cataract Surgery


Opthamologists use several different surgical approaches to cataract removal. The most popular types of cataract surgery are:

• Phacoemulsification (phaco): The preferred surgical method for most cases. During the phacoemsulsification procedure, the opthamologist uses an ultrasonic tool to sculpt and emulsify the lens. Phaco requires only small incisions into the eye, allowing for wound closure without stitches.
• Extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE): ECCE removes the lens through an incision in the sclera of the eye. Though phacoemsulsification is now the norm, this procedure is used for patients with very hard cataracts or other issues that may make phaco problematic.
• Intracapsular cataract extraction (ICCE): This out-of-date cataract surgery procedure removes the entire lens and lens capsule. It is rarely performed.

Before cataract surgery, consult with your opthamologist about the procedure and lens implant is right for you.