1	Cataract Surgery
2	The healthy eye Light rays enter the eye through the cornea, pupil and lens. These light rays are focused directly onto the retina, the light-sensitive tissue lining the back of the eye. The retina converts light rays into impulses; sent through the optic nerve to your brain, where they are recognized as images.
3	What is a cataract? Clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye.
4	What is a cataract? A clear lens refracts light onto the retina and fine-tunes our focusing ability.
5	A cataract is not: A film over the eye. Caused by overusing the eyes. Spread from one eye to the other. A cause of irreversible blindness.
6	Symptoms of cataracts Painless blurring of vision. Glare or light sensitivity. Poor night vision and/or difficulty driving at night. Double vision in one eye. Needing brighter light to read. Fading or yellowing of colors.
7	What causes cataracts? Aging of the eye (most common). Family history. Medical problems, such as diabetes. Injury to the eye. Medications, especially steroids. Long-term, unprotected exposure to sunlight. Previous eye surgery.
8	How quickly does a cataract develop? Most age-related cataracts progress gradually over a period of years. Non-age-related cataracts, especially in younger people and people with diabetes, may progress rapidly over a short time. Cataract development varies among individuals, and may even be different between the two eyes. Protection from excessive sunlight may help slow the progression of cataracts (UV-protective sunglasses or regular eyeglasses).
9	How is a cataract treated? Surgery is only way to remove cataracts. If symptoms of cataract are not affecting your normal activities, surgery may not be needed. Sometimes a simple change in your eyeglass prescription can help delay the need for surgery.
10	When should cataract surgery be performed? When cataracts cause enough vision loss to interfere with your daily activities: Performing your job Driving safely Reading and watching TV in comfort Taking medication You and your ophthalmologist (Eye M.D.) should decide together when surgery is appropriate.
11	How is cataract surgery performed? Outpatient procedure (usually). Local or topical anesthesia.
12	How is cataract surgery performed? A small incision is made close to the edge of the cornea. A tiny, high-frequency ultrasound instrument is inserted that breaks up center of the lens. Broken-up cloudy lens material is removed through the incision.
13	How is cataract surgery performed? Intraocular lens (IOL) implant is inserted into your eye to replace the cloudy lens. IOL is customized for your eye; restores focusing power.
14	How is cataract surgery performed? IOL usually placed behind the iris (posterior chamber lens). Sometimes placed in front of iris (anterior chamber lens).
15	What can I expect from cataract surgery? Most cataract surgical procedures are performed without complications and result in immediate improvement in vision. You will apply eye drops for several weeks following surgery to reduce the possibility of infection and/or inflammation in the eye. You may need an eyeglass prescription to obtain your clearest vision following surgery.
16	Posterior capsulotomy In a small number of cases, the natural capsule supporting IOL can become cloudy after cataract surgery. Posterior Capsulotomy: laser surgery to open cloudy capsule and restore clear vision.
17	Cataract surgery to restore clear vision More than 1.4 million people in the U.S. have cataract surgery each year. More than 95% of cataract surgeries are performed with no complications and improved vision. You and your ophthalmologist should decide together when cataract surgery is appropriate for you.