Phacoemulsification
Phacoemulsification is a procedure in which the lens and the front portion of the capsule are removed. The cataract is broken up, or emulsified, into small pieces using an ultrasound tip. Phacoemulsification has gained in popularity in recent years, and is now the preferred form of cataract removal. The procedure is very popular and has refined over the years and has high success rate and shorter recovery periods. The procedure has constantly refined over the years to make it even safer and more successful. Innovations in technology such as the foldable IOL also have helped improve outcomes by allowing surgeons to make smaller incisions.
Cataracts are there normally for years before vision is impaired. Surgery is recommended as the lens grows cloudier and vision deteriorates.
The common symptoms noted are:
Onset of blurred vision
Frequent changes in corrective lenses
Increased glare from lights
Poor vision in sunlight
Cataracts grow faster in younger people or diabetics, so doctors will recommend surgery more quickly in those cases.