Refractive surgeries like LASIK and PRK usually aim to correct vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism by reshaping the corne using excismer laser or by implanting artificial lens, called an intraocular lens (IOL).
Cataract surgery is performed to restore vision impaired by clouding of the eye's natural lens. During cataract surgery, the cloudy natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens.
For some patients, particularly those with certain types of refractive errors, choosing a specific type of IOL can provide additional refractive benefits beyond just correcting the cataract. For example, if a patient also has significant nearsightedness or farsightedness, a multifocal IOL can potentially reduce their dependence on glasses for both distance and near vision. Similarly, toric IOLs can correct astigmatism, improving overall visual quality.
Though cataract surgery might be beneficial for refractive errors, it is not considered as a primary refractive procedure like LASIK or PRK. Any refractive benefits are secondary to the primary goals of cataract surgery, which are to remove the cataract and improve vision.
Cataract surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia. Eye drops will be used to numb your eye, and you might also be given a light sedative to aid with relaxation. The clouded lens will be broken up by ultrasonic energy and suctioned out of the eye. The IOL is then implanted in its place.
Watch the video to learn how Cataract surgery is performed.