US Medical Term · procedures
Cataract Surgery
Cirugía de cataratas
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Cataract Surgery |
| Spanish (Español) | Cirugía de cataratas |
| Chinese (中文) | 白內障手術 |
| Korean (한국어) | 백내장 수술 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Phẫu thuật đục thủy tinh thể |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Operasyon sa katarata |
| Portuguese (Português) | Cirurgia de catarata |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | การผ่าตัดต้อกระจก |
| Japanese (日本語) | 白内障手術 |
What it means
Cataract surgery is a procedure to remove a cloudy lens from the eye and replace it with a clear artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL). It is one of the most common and safest surgeries performed in the United States. The procedure is done under local anesthesia with light sedation and takes about 15 to 30 minutes. Only one eye is treated at a time, with the second eye scheduled weeks later if needed. Most patients notice improved vision within days. You will need to use prescription eye drops for several weeks after surgery. Driving and lifting restrictions apply for a few days. Avoid rubbing or pressing on the eye during recovery.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
My vision has become very blurry because of cataracts and my ophthalmologist recommends surgery.
Mi visión se ha vuelto muy borrosa por las cataratas y mi oftalmólogo recomienda la cirugía.
Will I still need glasses after cataract surgery?
¿Aún necesitaré anteojos después de la cirugía de cataratas?
How many follow-up visits are needed after cataract surgery?
¿Cuántas visitas de seguimiento se necesitan después de la cirugía de cataratas?
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026