Cataract Surgery
1. Eye drops are placed into the eye to numb the surface.
2. A small incision is made through the cornea and in front of the capsule that holds the natural lens.
3. This opening allows the phacoemulsification tip to be inserted into the eye.
4. Ultrasound vibrations coming from the tip break up the cloudy lens into small pieces, allowing it to be suctioned, or vacuumed, from the eye. The outer portion of the lens (the capsule) is left behind.
5. Using a thin applicator, the intraocular lens (the implant) is folded and passed through the small incision and into the capsule, where it then unfolds filling the space once occupied by the natural lens.
6. The applicator is removed and the small opening closes on it own. No stitches are needed.
7. Eye drops and ointment are then placed into your eye and you are brought into the Recovery Room.