cataract removal, removal of a cloudy lens from the interior of the eye. The most common method of removal is extracapsular, in which the lens cortex and nucleus are expressed from the eye after the anterior portion of the capsule is removed, leaving the posterior capsule behind. An intraocular lens is usually implanted after lens removal for visual correction. In recent years, sutureless cataract techniques have increased in popularity because of the rapidity of rehabilitation. Clear cornea microincisions allow the use of topical anesthesia in place of retrobulbar anesthesia.
