The lens of the eye is normally clear. A cataract develops if
the lens becomes cloudy, usually as you get older. Surgery is
usually recommended for people who have vision problems caused
by the cataract. Procedure, part 1 Two procedures may be used to
treat cataracts. In the manual extraction procedure, a small
incision is made at the edge of the outer lining of the eye
(cornea). The lens is then removed and replaced with an
artificial lens. Procedure, part 2 The other, more common,
procedure is called phacoemulsification. This involves inserting
a needle through a small incision on the eye. The end of the
needle produces sound waves. The sound waves break up the lens,
which is then sucked out through the needle. an artificial lense
is then placed in the eye. This procedure requires a smaller
incision than the manual extraction procedure. Cataract surgery
usually works very well. The operation has few risks, the pain
and recovery period are short, and your sight is usually greatly
improved. Ninety-five percen