This surgery can correct extremely wide ranges of refractive error. Modern cataract surgery alone is not able to correct astigmatism as accurately as LASIK, but can be performed in combination with LASIK or a procedure called limbal relaxing incisions for astigmatism reduction. Beverly Hills: Modern cataract surgery has become perhaps one of the safest and most predictably beneficial operations performed today. Typically, it is done on an outpatient basis under local or eyedrop anesthesia. In the hands of a capable surgeon, the process should take 15 minutes or less to complete. Vision recovery can be almost as rapid as with LASIK; many patients are able to see a sharp 20/20 the day after their care. Small incision cataract surgery is done through an internally self-sealing incision about 1/8 wide. Cataract Surgery Beverly HillsCataract Surgery Brentwood California Century City Culver City Hollywood Beverly Hills Marina Del Rey Pacific Palisades Santa Monica Venice Beach Westwood West Hollywood West Beverly Hills The yellowed, firm nuclear tissue is removed by breaking it into microscopic fragments with an ultrasonic instrument called a phacoemulsifier (phaco for short). The membranous sac (the capsular bag) that contained the lens is retained. The IOL is then implanted within this sac. Measurements made before surgery assure in most cases that distance glasses are not required after surgery. Until very recently, artificial lenses implanted at the time of cataract surgery were all single-focus or fixed-focus lenses. Although distance vision could be rendered optimal with such care, reading glasses would still be necessary. Patients who may contemplate cataract-style surgery would want to enjoy clear distance vision, clear reading vision, and clarity everywhere in between, without need to use glasses. Significant challenges exist in designing a lens implant that can accommodate, or adjust for close focus.