Today, cataract surgery is performed without complications over 98 percent of the time. In fact, millions of people enjoy restored vision each year from cataract surgery. It is one of the most successful procedures in the history of medicine.

What are Cataracts?

Cataracts are the clouding of the eye's natural lens, the part of the eye responsible for focusing light and producing clear, sharp images.

Who can get Cataracts?

Cataracts can result from heredity, medications, or injury and can sometimes affect young adults and children. As a general rule, however, most cataracts develop slowly over a period of time.

What are the symptoms?

The most common signs of cataract development are blurry or fuzzy vision and sensitivity to light. Colors may also appear dull or faded. These symptoms often make it difficult to drive or do close handiwork. For some people, cataracts make reading difficult, especially small print. Whatever your occupation or hobbies, tasks that were once simple will likely become increasingly difficult or impossible to perform as cataracts develop.

Deciding on treatment

After a complete medical eye exam, the decision about whether cataract surgery may improve your vision can be made by you and Dr. Burrell together. This decision is based upon the condition of your eye and the extent to which the cataract is affecting your vision and your life.

How is the procedure performed?

The only treatment currently available for cataracts is surgical removal. In modern cataract surgery, a very small incision is made and a special instrument is passed gently through the incision. The instrument is used to break up the hard cataract and remove it. All that's left is the "bag" that held the cataract. Thereafter, it is used to hold your new lens implant.

Will I need glasses after surgery?

Glasses after cataract extraction are mainly used for reading and to fine tune distance vision. These are normal thin glasses. However, new implant technology is allowing some people to function without glasses for reading and distance vision.

Are there any complications with cataract surgery?

As with any surgical procedure, cataract surgery is not without risks. The potential risks associated with cataract surgery will be explained by Dr. Burrell.