Learn More About Cataracts Each of us has a natural lens inside each eye. This lens is usually clear and about the shape and size of a plain M&M (R). The purpose of the lens is to focus light onto the back of the eye, providing a clear image of the world around us. Unfortunately, sometimes the lens grows cloudy. Instead of focusing clearly, the light becomes scattered. This makes a normally clear image become blurry.
The lens in your eye is mostly made of water and protein. The protein is arranged in a precise way that allows light to pass through it. But as we age, some of the protein may clump together and start to cloud a small area of the lens. This is a cataract, and over time, it may grow larger and cloud more of the lens, making it harder to see. Most of the time cataracts occur naturally through the process of aging.
The next step to have better vision is to remove your cataract. The surgery is relatively quick and, for most patients, painless.
Removing the Cataract
The surgery is done under a microscope using tiny instruments the size of a pen tip. A highly advanced ultrasound device is used to break the cataract up and remove it in tiny pieces.
Placing the IOL
After the cataract is removed, an artifical lens, or IOL, is put in its place. The lenses are made of flexible material allowing the surgeon to insert the lens through a tiny incision. Once inserted, the lens opens up and locks in place.
Closing Up
Once the cloudy cataract is removed and the artificial lens is inserted, light can now easily pass through the lens restoring vision. Usually no stitches are required.