Cataract surgery

Mayo Clinic Health Manager

Get free personalized health guidance for you and your family.

Get Started

Free

E-Newsletter

Subscribe to receive the latest updates on health topics. View sample

Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

A cataract is the clouding of the normally clear lens of your eye. In cataract surgery, an eye doctor (ophthalmologist) removes the clouded lens from your eye and, in most cases, replaces the lens with an artificial lens. Cataract surgery is usually successful — more than 90 percent of people who have a cataract removed enjoy improved vision after the procedure.

Why it's done

MY00164

May 16, 2008

© 1998-2009 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "EmbodyHealth," "Reliable tools for healthier lives," "Enhance your life," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.

Print Share Reprints

Text Size: smaller largerlarger