Dr. Griffiths is a well credentialed and an excellent physician. Her staff are pleasant and professional. The office runs like a well-oiled machine. Kudos to them for providing such excellent care.
Holly Horn
Cataract Surgery: What to Expect From Evaluation to Recovery
Preparing for Your Cataract Surgery
Preparation is one of the most important parts of a successful cataract procedure. Careful measurements, thoughtful lens selection, and clear instructions before surgery day all contribute to the best possible outcome.
Before surgery, we take precise measurements of your eye to determine the correct power for your intraocular lens (the artificial lens that replaces your cloudy natural lens). This process, called biometry, uses optical or ultrasound technology to measure the length of your eye and the curvature of your cornea.
- Corneal topography or keratometry maps the shape of your cornea in detail
- Optical coherence tomography may be used to examine the layers of your retina for hidden concerns
- Dry eye evaluation and treatment may be recommended before measurements to improve accuracy
- Contact lens wearers should stop wearing their lenses before measurements, typically one to two weeks for soft lenses and longer for rigid gas permeable lenses
These tests are painless and help us customize your lens selection for the sharpest possible vision after surgery.
At NewView Eye Center, we offer a wide range of premium intraocular lens options to match your vision goals and lifestyle. During your pre-operative visit, our cataract surgeons will explain which lenses may be the best fit for you.
- Monofocal lenses provide excellent clarity at one distance, usually set for distance, and most patients will still need reading glasses
- Extended depth of focus lenses such as the Clareon Vivity and TECNIS Symfony provide a continuous range of vision from far to intermediate distances
- Multifocal lenses such as the PanOptix Pro and TECNIS Odyssey are designed to reduce dependence on glasses at multiple distances
- Toric lenses correct astigmatism at the time of cataract removal for clearer distance vision without glasses
- Other advanced options including the enVista Envy and TECNIS PureSee offer additional choices depending on your individual needs
- The RxSight Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) is an advanced option that allows for fine-tuning of your vision after surgery; the decision to use this lens is made in consultation with your surgeon
Premium lenses typically involve additional out-of-pocket costs beyond insurance coverage, and not every lens is appropriate for every patient. Our team will walk you through the options in detail so you can make a fully informed decision.
We will review all of your current medications at your pre-operative appointment. Some blood thinners, such as aspirin or warfarin, may need dose adjustments, but many patients can continue them safely under guidance from both their prescribing physician and our surgical team. Do not stop any prescribed blood thinner or anticoagulant without explicit direction from both your prescribing doctor and your cataract surgeon.
- Alpha-1 blockers such as tamsulosin, commonly prescribed for prostate conditions, can affect pupil dilation during surgery and must be disclosed
- Herbal supplements including ginkgo biloba, garlic, and fish oil may increase bleeding risk
- Bring a complete list of all medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, to your pre-operative visit
You will need a responsible adult to drive you home after the procedure, as your vision will be temporarily blurry and you may feel mildly drowsy. Plan for someone to stay with you for the remainder of that day, and follow any specific instructions provided by your surgical center.
- Wear comfortable, loose clothing and avoid makeup, lotions, or perfumes on the day of surgery
- Follow fasting instructions carefully, as you will typically be asked not to eat or drink for several hours before the procedure
- Pick up your post-operative eye drops from the pharmacy in advance so they are ready when you arrive home
- Arrange for one to three days off work depending on the nature of your job
What Happens During Cataract Surgery
Modern cataract surgery is a brief, precise procedure that most patients find much easier than they expected. Understanding what takes place during the operation can help ease any anxiety before your appointment.
We use numbing eye drops to ensure you feel no pain during surgery. You remain awake throughout, but many patients receive a mild sedative through an IV to keep them relaxed and comfortable.
You may be aware of light, movement, and gentle pressure, but you should not feel any sharp sensations. Our surgical team checks in with you throughout the procedure to make sure you feel at ease.
The standard technique used in cataract surgery is called phacoemulsification, which uses ultrasound energy to break up the cloudy lens so it can be gently removed. Your cataract surgeon makes a tiny incision in the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye), usually only a few millimeters wide, that typically heals without stitches.
- A small ultrasound probe breaks the cloudy lens into tiny fragments
- The fragments are gently suctioned out of the eye
- The natural lens capsule that surrounded your original lens is left in place to hold the new lens
- The folded intraocular lens is inserted through the small incision and positioned inside the capsule
- The lens unfolds and settles into its correct position
At NewView Eye Center, we also offer laser-assisted cataract surgery using the LENSAR Laser System. This advanced femtosecond laser technology can perform several key steps of the procedure with exceptional precision, including creating the incisions and softening the cataract before ultrasound removal.
Both traditional and laser-assisted approaches are safe and effective, and studies show comparable visual outcomes for both methods. Your cataract surgeon will discuss which approach is most appropriate for your individual situation. Laser-assisted surgery often involves additional costs not covered by standard insurance.
The surgical procedure itself typically takes between 10 and 20 minutes per eye. Including preparation and post-procedure monitoring, plan to be at the surgical center for approximately two to three hours in total.
After surgery, you will rest in a recovery area while our team monitors your eye pressure and ensures you are stable and comfortable. A protective shield is placed over your eye, and we review all aftercare instructions before you are cleared to go home.
Recovery and Aftercare Following Cataract Surgery
A smooth recovery depends on following your post-operative instructions carefully. Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how quickly they feel back to normal, but the first few weeks require some adjustments.
It is normal for your vision to be blurry and for your eye to feel scratchy, mildly irritated, or sensitive to light immediately after surgery. These sensations usually improve within one to two days.
Rest at home and avoid any strenuous activity for the remainder of surgery day. Wear your protective eye shield as directed, especially while sleeping, to prevent any accidental rubbing or pressure on the eye. If you experience severe pain, sudden vision loss, new floaters with flashing lights, or a curtain or shadow blocking part of your vision, contact your cataract surgeon immediately, as these are not expected and require urgent evaluation.
Antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops are a critical part of your recovery. Using them exactly as prescribed helps prevent infection and reduces swelling inside the eye.
- Wash your hands thoroughly before handling any eye drop bottle
- Tilt your head back, pull down your lower eyelid, and place one drop into the pocket created
- Close your eye gently and press lightly on the inner corner to help the drop absorb
- Wait at least five minutes between different types of drops if more than one is prescribed
- Do not let the bottle tip touch your eye or any surface
For the first week, avoid heavy lifting, bending with your head below your waist, and any exposure of the eye to dust, water, or potential contaminants. Swimming, hot tubs, and gardening should be avoided until your cataract surgeon gives you the go-ahead.
You may shower and wash your hair, but keep soap and water away from the operated eye for at least one week. Do not rub your eye, even if it itches. Most patients return to light work and normal daily activities within a few days, and you may read, watch television, and use screens as comfort allows during your recovery.
Resume driving only after your first follow-up appointment confirms that your vision meets safe and legal standards. Your cataract surgeon will advise you on this during your post-operative visit.
We will see you the day after surgery to check your eye pressure, look for any early signs of concern, and confirm that your lens is properly positioned. Additional follow-up visits are typically scheduled at one week and one month after the procedure.
If you need updated glasses, we generally wait four to six weeks after surgery until your vision has fully stabilized before writing a new prescription.
Some scratchiness, mild tearing, or a foreign body sensation is common in the days after surgery and does not indicate a problem. Over-the-counter artificial tears can help relieve dryness, but check with our team before using any drops other than the ones we prescribed.
Acetaminophen is typically appropriate for mild discomfort. If pain is not relieved by acetaminophen or gets worse rather than better, contact our office right away. Discuss the use of ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory medications with your cataract surgeon, particularly if you take blood thinners or have other health conditions that may be affected.
Potential Complications and Urgent Warning Signs
Cataract surgery is extremely safe, but like any surgical procedure, it carries a small risk of complications. Knowing what is normal and what requires urgent attention helps you protect your vision during recovery.
Mild redness, fluctuating vision, and light sensitivity are expected in the first few days and should gradually improve. These are normal responses to surgery and do not indicate a problem.
- Sudden, sharp pain that worsens over time is not normal and should be reported immediately
- A significant decrease in vision or the sudden appearance of new floaters with flashes of light requires urgent contact with your surgeon
- Increasing redness, thick discharge, or eyelid swelling after the first couple of days may indicate infection
- A shadow or curtain blocking part of your vision is a warning sign that needs same-day evaluation
Endophthalmitis is a rare but serious infection inside the eye that can develop after any intraocular surgery. Symptoms include severe eye pain, rapidly worsening vision, heavy discharge, and significant eyelid swelling.
If you notice any of these signs, contact your cataract surgeon or the on-call ophthalmologist immediately. If you cannot reach your surgical team promptly, go to the nearest emergency room and let the staff know you recently had eye surgery. Early treatment is essential to preserving your vision.
Other complications can occur after cataract surgery and may require monitoring or additional treatment. Your cataract surgeon will discuss your individual risk factors before your procedure.
- Cystoid macular edema, or swelling in the central retina, can cause blurred or distorted vision and typically responds to additional eye drop treatment
- Retinal detachment is uncommon but more likely in patients who are highly nearsighted; warning signs include sudden floaters, flashing lights, or a curtain over the vision
- Corneal edema, or swelling of the cornea, can occur especially in patients with pre-existing corneal conditions such as Fuchs dystrophy
- Refractive surprise, where your post-operative vision differs from what was planned, may still require glasses or an additional corrective procedure
- In rare cases, the lens may need to be repositioned or exchanged through an additional procedure
Months or years after surgery, the thin capsule that holds your intraocular lens in place may become cloudy. This condition is called posterior capsule opacification, and it can cause blurry vision that feels similar to the original cataract returning.
A simple, painless in-office laser treatment called YAG capsulotomy can correct this quickly. Your cataract surgeon uses a laser to create a small opening in the cloudy capsule, and vision typically improves within a short time. Small risks of the laser procedure include a temporary rise in eye pressure and a slightly increased risk of retinal detachment in susceptible patients, which your surgeon will discuss with you beforehand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some of the questions our patients ask most often about cataract surgery. If your question is not covered here, our team is always happy to help.
If cataracts are affecting both eyes, surgery on each eye is typically performed on separate days, usually a few weeks apart. This staged approach allows your first eye to heal and your vision to stabilize before we treat the second eye, which also gives us useful information about how to refine your lens selection for the second procedure if needed.
Many patients notice a meaningful improvement in clarity within the first day or two, though complete stabilization can take several weeks. The density of your cataract, the health of your retina, and the type of lens selected all influence your individual recovery timeline. Premium multifocal lenses may also require a period of neuroadaptation, where your brain adjusts to processing the new visual input.
That depends largely on the type of lens you choose and your individual healing. Patients with monofocal lenses set for distance almost always need reading glasses for close tasks. Premium options such as extended depth of focus or multifocal lenses are designed to reduce glasses dependence across multiple distances, but individual results vary and some near tasks may still benefit from readers. Even with premium lenses, residual refractive error or astigmatism can sometimes mean glasses are still helpful for certain activities.
Medicare and most private insurance plans cover the cost of medically necessary cataract surgery along with a standard monofocal lens. Premium lens upgrades, laser-assisted surgery using technology such as our LENSAR system, and advanced lens options typically involve additional out-of-pocket expenses that insurance does not cover. Our team can help you understand what your specific plan includes and what financing options are available, including CareCredit, FSA, and HSA payments.
Once your natural lens is removed and replaced with an intraocular lens, a cataract cannot reform on that lens. What can develop over time is posterior capsule opacification, where the capsule holding the lens becomes cloudy. This is a straightforward issue to address with a quick in-office laser treatment, and it does not involve removing or replacing the intraocular lens itself.
Both approaches use ultrasound to remove the cataract, and both are safe and highly effective. The difference is that laser-assisted surgery, using the LENSAR system at our practice, automates several of the initial surgical steps with a femtosecond laser, which can offer added precision for incisions and lens capsule opening. Clinical outcomes are comparable between the two methods, and the best choice for you depends on your individual eye anatomy, lens selection, and other factors your cataract surgeon will review with you during your consultation.
Schedule Your Cataract Consultation at NewView Eye Center
If cataracts are affecting your vision and your quality of life, our experienced cataract surgeons at NewView Eye Center are here to help. We offer personalized evaluations, advanced surgical technology, and a full range of premium lens options at our Northern Virginia offices. We look forward to helping you see clearly and comfortably again, and we will be with you every step of the way.
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