Cataract Extraction

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. The normal lens of the eye is clear and transparent, but the lens and vision become unclear as protein deposits build up on the lens, creating a cataract. Prior to cataract extraction surgery, patients usually are given local anesthesia via eye drops or an injection, and additional medicine often is given to help the patient relax. The eye doctor (ophthalmologist) uses a special microscope to view the eye. A shallow incision is made in the eye, and the lens is removed through the incision. Depending on the type of cataract, the surgeon may use sound waves to break up the cataract into small pieces to be suctioned from the eye through the incision; a tool to remove the cataract in one piece with a larger incision; or a laser to make incisions and soften the cataract before suctioning it. Use of the laser instead of a scalpel may provide a more accurate cut and reduce recovery time. Once the lens is removed, the doctor replaces it with a clear lens called an intraocular lens and then closes the incision. The surgery typically lasts fewer than 30 minutes. 

Why UAB

UAB Ophthalmology has more than 25 physicians, many of them named among the top doctors in their fields nationally. They are renowned for their advances in eye care, breaking through old ways of treating blinding eye diseases and revolutionizing many areas of ophthalmology.

Ophthalmology care at UAB is located in UAB Callahan Eye Hospital, one of the busiest eye hospitals in the country, where specialists work together to treat complex cases. The UAB Callahan Eye Hospital surgical suite houses nine operating rooms dedicated to eye surgery as well as a 24/7 Eye emergency room, which is the region’s only Level I Ocular Trauma Center. More than 11,000 surgeries are performed at UAB Callahan Eye Hospital each year, and we conduct more reconstructive eye surgeries than any other facility in the world. Patients come from around the nation to be treated for eye conditions at UAB.

The UAB Center for Low Vision Rehabilitation works with patients to maximize vision and provides services such as orientation and mobility, occupational therapy, and support groups for patients dealing with vision loss or impairment.

Through ongoing research and clinical trials, UAB continues to make great strides in the field of ophthalmology. In addition to our physicians, we have a team of vision scientists who are fully dedicated to researching causes, preventions, and cures for eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. Many UAB ophthalmologists have received funding from prestigious research organizations and institutions and collaborate in clinical care to deliver the latest in scientific discovery to our patients.

Images and Videos

Priscilla Fowler, MD Assistant Professor and Director of the Cornea Service in the Department of Ophthalmology at UAB, discusses how easily "red eye" can be misdiagnosed.

See how UAB’s Bioptic Driving Program is paving the road for those who are severely nearsighted to get behind the wheel safely. 

UAB pilot program brings glaucoma screenings closer to home.

UAB Callahan Eye Hospital helped save a young baseball player’s career and, most importantly, his sight.

After being hit in the eye with a bottle rocket, Dianne Peterson underwent sight-saving surgery at UAB Callahan Eye Hospital. 

How does laser cataract surgery differ from traditional cataract surgery? 

PHYSICIANS

J. Waid Blackstone, MD
J. Waid Blackstone, MD
Priscilla G. Fowler, MD
Priscilla G. Fowler, MD
Christopher A. Girkin, MD, MSPH
Christopher A. Girkin, MD, MSPH
D. Wade Joiner, MD
D. Wade Joiner, MD
Lanning B. Kline, MD
Lanning B. Kline, MD
Virginia R. Lolley, MD
Virginia R. Lolley, MD
Andrew J. Mays, MD
Andrew J. Mays, MD
Lindsay A. Rhodes, MD
Lindsay A. Rhodes, MD
Jason C. Swanner, MD
Jason C. Swanner, MD

Related Conditions

This procedure may be used to treat or diagnose several different conditions. We have listed some of these conditions below for your convenience. Please note that this is not a comprehensive list and may vary depending on your specific diagnosis.

Related Treatments

Depending on your case and your physician’s assessment, your condition may be treated using one or more various procedures. Some of those procedures are listed below for your convenience. Please note that this is not a comprehensive list and may vary depending on your specific diagnosis.

CLINICAL TRIALS

UAB is an active participant in research and clinical trials for Cataract Extraction. We encourage you to speak to your physician about research and clinical trial options and browse the link below for more information.

View Clinical Trials