Prior to cataract surgery, antibiotic eye drops may be prescribed to prevent infection. Cataract surgery is most often done as an outpatient procedure with local anesthesia (a numbing gel is placed in the eye) and light intravenous sedation. You should not see instruments coming toward your eye and you should not feel pain in your eye during surgery. The incision made to remove the cataract is so small that it usually does not require stitches. Phacoemulsification (a type of ultrasound) is the most common method used to remove the cataract.
After the natural lens has been removed, it often is replaced by an artificial lens, called an intraocular lens (IOL). An IOL is a clear, plastic lens that requires no care and becomes a permanent part of your eye. Light is focused clearly by the IOL onto the retina, improving your vision. You will not feel or see the new lens.
Some people cannot have an IOL. They may have another eye disease or have problems during surgery. For these patients, a soft contact lens, or glasses that provide high magnification, may be suggested

There are three primary types of cataracts: nuclear sclerotic, cortical, and posterior subcapsular

are monofocal, meaning they are designed to correct the vision at one focal length. If a patient chooses to have IOLs implanted that correct for distance vision in both eyes, they will most likely need glasses to read. Some patients opt for an IOL that corrects their vision for distance in one eye and an IOL that corrects their vision for near in the other eye.

include the presbyopia-correcting IOLs and the toric IOLs. The decision to use these lenses must be made on an individual basis

are designed to correct for distance and near vision. The intended goal of these lenses is to decrease the need for glasses.

are used for those patients with astigmatism. Astigmatism refers to an irregularity in the curvature of the cornea. Toric IOLs are designed to correct distance vision and astigmatism.

After surgery, you will be asked to wear a clear plastic shield home from the hospital or surgery center to protect your eye. It is particularly important to refrain from rubbing your eye until the eye is completely healed. Antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops will be prescribed for use after surgery. Ask your doctor about how to use your eyedrops, how often to use them, and what effects they can have. Your doctor will provide you with further post-operative instructions. Usually you will be asked to return to the office the next day for a follow-up visit. Generally, patients can resume their normal activities after this post-operative visit.
Itching and mild discomfort are normal after cataract surgery. Some fluid discharge is also common. Your eye may be sensitive to light and touch. If you have discomfort, your doctor can suggest treatment. After one or two days, moderate discomfort should disappear.
When you are home, try not to bend from the waist to pick up objects on the floor. Do not lift any heavy objects. You can walk, climb stairs, and do light household chores.

Cataract surgery slightly increases your risk of retinal detachment. Other eye disorders, such as high myopia (nearsightedness), can further increase your risk of retinal detachment after cataract surgery. One sign of a retinal detachment is a sudden increase in flashes or floaters. Floaters are little “cobwebs” or specks that seem to float about in your field of vision. If you notice a sudden increase in floaters or flashes, see an eye care professional immediately. A retinal detachment is a medical emergency. If necessary, go to an emergency service or hospital. Your eye must be examined by an eye surgeon as soon as possible. A retinal detachment causes no pain. Early treatment for retinal detachment often can prevent permanent loss of vision. The sooner you get treatment, the more likely you will regain good vision. Even if you are treated promptly, some vision may be lost.

Refractive cataract surgery starts in the same manner as standard cataract surgery. Your natural eye lens is removed. However, it is replaced with an advanced multi-focal lens, which also corrects your vision. Refractive cataract surgery can correct near- and farsightedness as well as astigmatism

These cases included posterior polar cataract, rock-hard nuclei, mature white lenses, anterior vitrectomy, post-LASIK eyes, temporal negative dysphotopsia, and delayed bag-IOL dislocation. In addition, the list includes phaco in patients with uveitis, Fuchs dystrophy, intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS) and small pupils, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, pseudoexfoliation with weak zonules, high myopia, and high hyperopia with a crowded anterior segment.