Cataracts are a prevalent eye condition caused by cloudiness in the eye’s natural lens, leading to hazy or blurred vision. This condition develops gradually over time and often remains unnoticed until it starts impacting one’s eyesight significantly. Though cataracts are generally linked with aging, they can also result from injury, medication use, or underlying health conditions.

Symptoms of cataracts can manifest as unclear vision, difficulty seeing at night, sensitivity to light, and double vision in one eye. If neglected, cataracts can reach an advanced stage and drastically reduce vision. Fortunately, this surgery is a dependable and safe treatment option, which enhances the patients’ quality of life and restores their vision.

The surgical process involves the removal of the clouded eye lens and replacing it with an intraocular lens (IOL), an artificial lens. The procedure is quick, lasting about 15-20 minutes per eye, and is usually conducted as an outpatient under local anesthesia. Recovery time is brief, with most patients going back to their daily routine within a few days of surgery.

This surgery is one of the most widely practiced procedures. The surgery boasts a remarkable success rate of over 98% according to the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. With advancements in technology and surgical techniques, it continues to progress, offering better results and outcomes for patients.