What are cataracts and implants?

A cataract is any cloudiness of the lens inside the eye which causes the focused vision to be unclear. The cornea is the round, clear front of the eye and through this the blue or brown iris can be seen. The central hole in the iris is called the pupil. Just behind the iris is the lens which is very nearly the size and shape of an M & M candy. Normally the lens is clear, but if it becomes white or cloudy it can sometimes be seen through the pupil with just a flashlight. This cloudiness is called a cataract. Therefore, a cataract is neither "on," nor "behind" the eye, but is inside the eye. After the cataract is removed, a tiny plastic intraocular implant lens is placed in the position from which the natural lens was removed. The implant is permanently placed inside the eye, so it does not need handling, adjusting, or cleaning. With our delicate instruments, we can perform the entire operation through an incision less than 1/4 inch long. If a person has always required thick glasses, ...  more