• Home

Home > Medical Reference > Encyclopedia (English)

Toggle: English / Spanish

Cataract removal

• Overview
• Recovery
• Risks

Alternative Names:

Cataract extraction; Cataract surgery

Risks:

Complications of cataract surgery are not common, and serious complications are rare. Most patients have better vision after cataract surgery.

In about 3% - 4% of cases, the entire lens cannot be removed and another procedure is required at a later date to remove all of the lens fragments. Most of these patients still do very well. In other very rare cases, infection can occur after cataract surgery, which can lead to permanent vision problems.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Q: Will a laser be used to remove my cataract?

A: No. Lasers are not used to remove cataracts, though they likely will be in the future. Several months after the surgery, a laser can be used to break apart remaining old lens fragments sitting behind the new artificial lens, if necessary.

Q: Will it harm my eye to wait to remove the cataract?

A: No. Cataracts do not harm the eye. You should have your cataract removed when it is convenient for you and only if you are unhappy with your vision.

Q: If I have a cataract in each eye, can I have them both done at the same time?

A: No. Usually one eye is allowed to heal before the operation is repeated on the other eye. Most surgeons recommend waiting 1 to 2 months between procedures.

• Review Date: 9/1/2006
• Reviewed By: Manju Subramanian, MD, Assistant Professor in Ophthalmology, Vitreoretinal Disease and Surgery, Boston University Eye Associates, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial process . A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2007 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.