During cataract surgery doctors remove the cloudy lens

During cataract surgery doctors remove the cloudy lens inside the eye and replace it with a clear artificial lens. The procedure is needed when proteins inside the eye's natural lens begin breaking down and create a cloudy area that blocks light from passing through properly. During the operation the eye is first numbed with special drops or medicine to keep the patient comfortable. A tiny opening is then made in the cornea, allowing a small surgical tool to reach the cloudy lens. Using a technique called PHACOEMULSIFICATION the surgeon uses gentle ultrasound vibrations to break the cataract into small pieces and remove them. After the old lens is removed, a folded artificial lens is inserted through the same opening and carefully positioned inside the eye. The incision usually seals naturally allowing the eye to heal and vision to gradually improve.