A cataract is a clouding of a natural lens in the lens of the eye that focuses the image clearly on the retina. Cataracts usually occur as part of the aging process, but factors such as trauma, diabetes, long-term use of corticosteroids can also contribute to cataract formation.
Treatment of cataracts usually requires surgical intervention.
Cataract surgery involves removing the clouded natural lens and replacing it with an intraocular lens (IOL). This surgery is usually a very safe and effective procedure. Modern cataract surgery is performed through a method called phacoemulsification, a technique that involves breaking up and removing the cataract using ultrasonic energy through a small incision.
After cataract surgery, most people’s vision improves significantly.