Cataracts are defined as clouding of the crystalline lens which affects normal vision and are one of the most common causes of blindness worldwide, especially in developing countries. Even though incidence of cataracts increases in older age groups, multiple other factors can lead to premature lens opacifications, including genetic disorders, prenatal infections and trauma. Cataract formation is associated with deleterious effects on vision, such as myopic shift, monocular diplopia, reduction of contrast sensitivity and appearance of glare. Cataracts can be easily visualized using slit lamp examination. Indications for cataract extraction surgery include improvement of visual acuity and prevention of secondary complications, such as uveitis and glaucoma. Modern-day cataract extraction techniques can be divided into intracapsular and extracapsular. In general, cataract extraction surgery is very successful, with good patient outcomes and relatively low incidence of serious complications. Complications of cataract surgery can roughly be divided into preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative complications. Postoperative complications can further be classified as early (presenting <6 weeks after surgery) or late (presenting >6 weeks after surgery). Most of these complications can be adequately managed, with good expected outcomes.