Cataract Surgery
Your eye has a clear lens through which light passes, allowing you to see. As you age, this lens slowly becomes cloudy, resulting in a cataract. For patients, this can cause a gradual reduction of vision and increase the glare from lights.
Cataract Surgery
What Is a Cataract?
Your eye has a clear lens through which light passes, allowing you to see. As you age, this lens slowly becomes cloudy, resulting in a cataract. For patients, this can cause a gradual reduction of vision and increase the glare from lights.
In younger adults, cataracts can result from an injury, certain medications, or illnesses such as diabetes. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light may also play a role in the formation of cataracts. Studies have also shown that people who smoke have a higher risk of developing cataracts than non-smokers. Cataracts usually develop without pain.
Symptoms of cataracts are:
- Blurred or hazy vision
- Double vision
- Poor vision in bright lights
- Seeing halos around lights
- Yellowish tinged vision
- Difficulty with night driving
Treatment Options:
Vision loss from cataracts can sometimes be improved with prescription glasses and contact lenses. However, if a cataract begins to make it too difficult for you to carry out your daily activities, your doctor may recommend surgery.
Cataract surgery is one of the most performed surgeries in the world and is an outpatient-based procedure. Through minimally invasive, no-stitch surgery, our ophthalmologists remove the clouded lens, and a new artificial lens is implanted in the eye. Cataract surgery successfully restores vision in the vast majority of those who have the procedure.
Post Operation Recovery
What To Expect
During your pre-op evaluation, your ophthalmologist will measure your eye to set the optimal focusing power for your IOL (intraocular lens). Additionally, you will be asked about any medications you take. You may be asked not to take some of these medications before cataract surgery if necessary. You might be prescribed eyedrop medicines to take before your procedure. These medicines help prevent infection and reduce swelling during and after surgery. This will ensure safety and comfort during and after cataract surgery.
Before & After Surgery
Day of Cataract Surgery:
- Your eye is numbed and you may receive medication to help you relax.
- You’ll be awake but won’t see the procedure itself.
- The clouded lens is removed through tiny incisions and replaced with a clear lens.
- Incisions typically heal on their own, and a protective shield is placed.
- After a short recovery period, you’ll go home the same day.
Days or Weeks After Cataract Surgery:
- You may have to use eye drops after surgery. Be sure to follow your doctor’s directions for proper use.
- Avoid getting soap or water directly in the eye.
- Do not rub or press on your eye. Your Ophthalmologist might ask you to wear eyeglasses or a shield for further protection if necessary.
- You will need to wear a protective eye shield when you sleep to prevent contact during your sleep.
- Your Ophthalmologist will talk with you about how active you can be soon after surgery. They will tell you when you can safely exercise, drink or do other activities again.