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Cataract
Treatment and Prevention
With phacoemulsification, or phaco, a small incision is made
on the side of the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped surface that
covers the front of the eye. Your doctor inserts a tiny probe into
the eye. This device emits ultrasound waves that soften and break
up the lens so that it can be removed by suction. Most cataract
surgery today is done by phacoemulsification, also called small
incision cataract surgery. With extracapsular surgery, your doctor
makes a longer incision on the side of the cornea and removes the
cloudy core of the lens in one piece. The rest of the lens is
removed by suction.
An Artificial Lens
Replaces the Natural Lens
After the natural lens has been removed, it usually is replaced by
an artificial lens, called an intraocular lens, or IOL. An IOL is a
clear, plastic lens that requires no care and becomes a permanent
part of your eye.
Light is focused clearly by the IOL onto the retina, improving your
vision. You will not feel or see the new lens.
The operation usually lasts less than one hour and is almost
painless. Many people choose to stay awake during surgery.
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