What is the surgical treatment of cataracts?

• A. Phacoemulsification
• B. Intracapsular cataract extraction
• C. Laser-assisted cataract extraction
• D. Medication-based management

Answer: (A)

Phacoemulsification is the modern surgical treatment for cataracts. It uses a small corneal incision and ultrasonic energy to break up the cloudy lens, which is then aspirated away. An intraocular lens is implanted in the same procedure to restore focusing ability. This approach minimizes tissue disruption, offers rapid recovery, and has become the standard because of its high success rate and low complication risk. Older methods like removing the entire lens through a large incision carried more risks and longer healing, while medication cannot reverse an established cataract. Laser-assisted cataract techniques exist as variants to assist certain steps, but the essential lens removal and replacement are achieved most effectively with phacoemulsification.