Intracapsular surgery involves removing the entire lens, including the capsule through microscope surgery. In the past, cataracts were removed by intracapsular surgery in which the entire lens and lens capsule were removed. Intracapsular surgery is rarely, if ever, used today. It is more difficult and has a higher rate of complications than extracapsular procedures.

This procedure involves making a small incision is made on the side of the cornea. The cornea of the eye is the clear, dome shaped surface that covers the front part. Your doctor inserts a tiny probe into the eye. This device emits ultrasound waves that soften and break up the lens so that it can be removed by suction

People who have cataract microscope surgery are usually fitted with an artificial lens at the same time. The artificial lens is a synthetic disc called an intraocular lens. It is usually placed in the lens capsule inside the patient’s eye. Other options include the use of contact lenses and cataract glasses.

For adults who have cataracts in both eyes, a second microscope surgery is needed. The surgery is not done on both eyes at the same time. The first eye needs to heal first, and your doctor will determine how much eyesight has improved before surgery is done on the second eye.