During the Procedure

The actual procedure-clear-corneal phacoemulsification and synthetic-lens implantation-can take as little as five minutes. Clear-corneal phacoemulsification is painless. At first, all you'll feel is the surgeon's hand resting against your cheek.

Patients sometimes ask if they will see the surgery being performed. The answer is no. You might see bright lights or kaleidoscopic colors, as in a light show, but the experience won't be unpleasant.

. After the doctor makes a tiny incision at the edge of the cornea, using a gem-quality diamond instrument, he or she will put more anesthetic into the eye. No needles are used in clear-corneal phacoemulsification.

. As described, the doctor will use a handheld ultrasound device to break up the hard nucleus and suction out the fragments and the lens cortex, leaving the posterior capsule in place to support the new lens. At this stage you might feel a few drops of cool water running down your face. The water is used during surgery to keep the eye cool.

. The new lens, or IOL, is inserted. After inserting the lens, the doctor will administer more eye drops-additional anesthetic, antibiotic, and anti-inflammatory medication-for your comfort and safety.