What do surgeons place in the eye to replace the natural lens after cataract removal?

Surgeons place an Intraocular Lens (IOL) in the eye to replace the natural lens after cataract removal. When a cataract develops, the lens becomes cloudy, impairing vision. During cataract surgery, the cloudy lens is surgically removed, and in its place, an IOL is implanted.

IOLs are specifically designed to be biocompatible with the eye, meaning they can safely remain inside the eye without causing adverse reactions. They restore focusing ability, allowing patients to see clearly at different distances, depending on the type of IOL used (monofocal, multifocal, or toric, among others).

Other options, like contact lenses and prosthetic lenses, do not serve the same purpose within the eye as an IOL does. Contact lenses are external devices used to correct vision without surgery, whereas prosthetic lenses are not typically used in the context of cataract surgery. Corneal lenses, which may refer to corneal implants or treatments, are also not the appropriate replacements for the eye's lens after cataract surgery. Thus, the correct answer emphasizes the function and importance of the IOL in restoring vision post-surgically.