Cataract extraction is a surgical procedure to remove a lens in the eye that has become cloudy over time, affecting vision in that eye. It is part of a cataract operation, in which the removed lens is replaced with an artificial, manmade lens.

How long does a cataract extraction take?

How long does cataract surgery take? The total process, from the time a patient enters the office to when he or she leaves, is about two and a half hours. The procedure itself typically takes less than 20 minutes.

How is cataract extraction performed?

Cataract extraction (ex-TRACK-shun) is a surgery to remove the cloudy lens from the eye. The surgeon makes a small incision (cut) on the surface of the eye near the clear part of the eye called the cornea. A small instrument is inserted into the incision and the cloudy lens material is removed from the eye.