Natural lens replacement is not experimental. In fact, it’s the most common surgical procedure in the world. Lens implants have been used to treat cataracts for over 50 years. Over 14.2 million cataract and lens implant procedures are now performed each year worldwide.*

 

Today’s cataract procedure is safer, faster and more comfortable than ever before. Cataract removal left many people dependent on glasses. Now, new multifocal lens technologies available through CustomMatch™ Vision Solutions allow us to do much more.

 

Cataract removal is generally performed as an outpatient procedure under local or topical anesthesia. You will be fully awake, but you will be comfortable and feel no pain. Typically, you will be asked to arrive an hour or so prior to your procedure, and you will be allowed to leave after a period of observation following your procedure. The procedure itself usually takes 15 to 45 minutes.

 

To remove your cataract (clouded lens), your doctor will use a technique called phacoemulsification (phaco). The doctor will make a tiny incision and insert a small phaco probe. The probe will break apart the clouded lens and remove it. Next, an artificial Intraocular Lens (IOL) will be inserted through the same tiny incision into the lens capsule of your eye. Because this procedure is performed through an incision that is very small, your eye will be able to heal rapidly with little or no discomfort.

 

Following the procedure, you will be allowed to return home within an hour or so. Vision is restored immediately in most cases; however, vision usually continues to improve in the weeks following the procedure.

 

To view an animation of cataract removal, click here.

 

* Market Scope. The Comprehensive Report on the IOL Market. St. Louis, M: Market Scope, LLC; 2004:27.