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Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

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Illustration showing two of the steps in cataract surgery 
Cataract surgery

Cataract surgery is a procedure to remove the lens of your eye and, in most cases, replace it with an artificial lens. Cataract surgery is used to treat the clouding of the normally clear lens of your eye (cataract).

Cataract surgery is performed by an eye doctor (ophthalmologist) on an outpatient basis, which means you don't have to stay in the hospital after the surgery. Cataract surgery is very common and is generally a safe procedure.

References
  1. Cataract surgery. American Academy of Ophthalmology. http://www.geteyesmart.org/eyesmart/diseases/cataract-surgery.cfm. Accessed May 2, 2013.
  2. Cataract surgery. American Optometric Association. http://www.aoa.org/x9954.xml. Accessed May 2, 2013.
  3. Facts about cataract. National Eye Institute. http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/cataract/cataract_facts.asp. Accessed May 2, 2013.
  4. Cataract in the adult eye PPP. American Academy of Ophthalmology. http://one.aao.org/ce/practiceguidelines/ppp_content.aspx?cid=a80a87ce-9042-4677-85d7-4b876deed276. Accessed May 2, 2013.
  5. IOL implants: Lens replacement and cataract surgery. American Academy of Ophthalmology. http://www.geteyesmart.org/eyesmart/diseases/iol-implants.cfm. Accessed May 2, 2013.
  6. Robertson DM (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. June 12, 2013.
MY00164 July 30, 2013

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