First, the surgeon makes an incision about 1/8 of an inch in length at the edge of the cornea. A small ultrasound instrument is then inserted through the opening. The ultrasound pulses to vibrate the lens into small pieces while simultaneously vacuuming the pieces out of the eye. The lens is then inserted into the incision where it unfolds into the eye. The back capsule of the lens is left to hold the intraocular lens in place. The surgeon then manipulates the lens into position. The tiny incision in the white of the eye is usually left to heal itself.

At least 95% of the patients who have cataract surgery, receive an artificial lens implant after the cataract is removed. The intraocular lenses (IOL) have improved dramatically over the years. Today’s IOLs are made of silicone or acrylic material. They are soft and flexible and have been specifically chosen for you based on your prescription in each eye.