Final answer:
The replacement of the cataract-clouded lens with an intraocular lens (IOL) is the most commonly performed surgical intervention for cataracts, aimed at restoring clear vision.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most commonly performed surgical intervention for cataracts is the replacement of the cataract-clouded lens of the eye with an intraocular lens (IOL). This procedure is designed to restore clear vision by removing the opaque lens and replacing it with a clear artificial lens. Unlike LASIK, which is a laser vision correction procedure used to reshape the cornea in cases of myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, cataract surgery addresses the cloudiness in the lens itself. The power of the intraocular lens that is implanted during cataract surgery can be selected so that the person achieves optimal distant vision. However, depending on the type of IOL used, some patients may still require glasses for tasks such as reading.