(Video below)
In Step 1, the surface of the eye is irrigated with lidocaine solution to make the procedure pain free.
In Step 2, the densest part of the cataract, the nucleus, is gently cracked and then liquified using ultrasound.
In Step 3, the softest part of the cataract, the cortex, is vacuumed away from the lens bag.
In Step 4, the lens bag is inflated with a viscous substance.
In Step 5, the new intraocular lens is placed in the lens bag where it unfolds and is centered.
In Step 6, the viscous substance is vacuumed from the lens bag.
The entire procedure is done through through an incision one-tenth of an inch in length and no sutures are required.