A Cataract Surgery Primer

One of the challenges of aging and your eyes is the possibility you may need cataract surgery. You are not alone. Lens replacement/cataract surgery is one of the most frequently performed surgeries in the U.S. and it is also one of the safest. Cataract surgery is a virtually painless procedure that replaces your clouded lens with an intra-ocular lens implant. The surgery is done as an outpatient procedure, using eye drop anesthesia, which allows for the fastest possible recovery. Once the cataract is removed, a permanent, artificial lens is inserted.

• About a week before your surgery the exact size and shape of your eye will be measured using ultrasound. This allows your doctor determine which type of lens implant will work best for you. The ultrasound is completely painless and takes only a few minutes.
• You will be advised to stop taking any medications that could hinder your recovery process or increase the risk of bleeding during the surgery.
• You will be asked to fast for 12 or 24 hours leading up to the surgery but you may consume clear liquids.
• Your doctor will prescribe eye drops in the days leading up to the surgery which can help the reduce the chances of infection.

Cataract surgery is usually a quick procedure, taking an hour or less. You will be given anesthetic eye drops but you will remain awake throughout the surgery. If you are nervous about the procedure you may be offered a mild sedative.

Your clouded lens will be removed through a procedure called phacoemulsification, which uses high-energy ultrasound waves to gently remove your cataract. After the removal, a clear artificial lens will replace your old lens. The new lens will become a part of your eye. It will not need any special care, and you won’t be able to see or feel it.

It is not uncommon for our patients to have dramatically improved vision within a few hours of their procedure. It is normal, however, for your vision to be blurry for a few days, and for your eyes to feel itchy or uncomfortable. You will be prescribed eye drops to aid in the healing process, and can expect to make a full recovery within eight weeks.

Our doctors are specialists in cataract surgery. If you have questions or would like to know more, call for a consultation appointment, today: (800) 676-5050.