Cataract Surgery Day
What to Expect During Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is an amazingly quick outpatient procedure that can erase years of poor vision.
When you decide to move forward with the procedure, it’s normal to feel a little nervous. Our staff understands this and will do everything we can to make you as comfortable and relaxed as possible.
Cataract Surgery Day
We will ask that you arrive 60 minutes before your surgery time to complete any necessary paperwork, give yourself time to relax and allow your cataract surgery doctor to answer any questions.
- Dilation eye drops will be placed into your eye and local and topical anesthetics will be given. You will be given medication to relax you, but you will remain awake during the procedure.
- With manual cataract surgery, your doctor will use a hand-held blade to create a small corneal incision and an opening in the capsule that holds your lens is created. A tiny probe will be inserted to gently break up the cloudy lens using ultrasound waves. This same tool is used to remove the lens fragments from the eye. This is called phacoemulsification.
- Through the same incision, your doctor will insert your pre-chosen replacement intraocular lens (IOL). Depending on the type of vision goals you have after surgery, you may choose a monofocal, multifocal, trifocal, extended depth of focus, accommodating or TORIC lens. Each lens will provide a different level of vision – possibly even reducing or eliminating the need for glasses after surgery.
The replacement lens you choose will be permanent and will feel natural in your eye.
After Cataract Surgery
After you have relaxed in our post-op area and spoken to your surgeon, you are free to go home. You will need someone to drive you home after surgery so you can rest for the remainder of the day. Wear an eye shield while sleeping as your eye heals to avoid hitting or rubbing your eye.
Your vision may be a bit blurry at first and your eye may be itchy or irritated – this is normal. The prescription eye drops will help minimize discomfort. If you experience any pain or worrisome symptoms, contact our office immediately.
Only one eye is treated at a time. If you have cataracts in both eyes, your second eye can be treated after the first has healed (minimum of 2 weeks later).
Remember: not all cataracts must be removed right away. The best way to know if your cataracts are developed enough to warrant surgery is by scheduling a cataract evaluation. Our informative exam will shed new light on your eye health and will help you learn more about your options for vision improvement.