Clear-Cornea Cataract Surgery: Removing the Old Lens

You may be surprised by how little time clear-cornea cataract surgery takes. To help make the surgery painless, you will be given anesthesia. It may be in the form of eyedrops (topical) or an injection (local).

The Procedure

Your doctor uses a microscope and tiny instruments to make the incision and remove the old lens. A special instrument breaks apart the old lens with sound waves (ultrasound) and then removes the pieces. This process is called phacoemulsification. The natural membrane (capsule) that held your lens is left in place.