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Cataracts are a common eye condition that occurs when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, leading to blurred vision and other visual impairments. The condition is most commonly associated with aging, but other risk factors include previous eye injury, underlying medical conditions like diabetes, or side effects of certain medications.
The good news is that cataract surgery is a quick and safe procedure to help you see clearly again — in fact, many patients see better after cataract surgery than ever before. That’s thanks to advances in technology like laser cataract surgery and premium lens implants.
Bright lights, such as headlights or sunlight, may appear glaring or cause discomfort.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is essential to see an ophthalmologist for a comprehensive eye examination. They will assess your vision and determine if cataracts are the cause of your symptoms.
Just because cataracts are common, don’t make the mistake of thinking they’re not serious. If left untreated, cataracts can cause total blindness. All cataracts must be treated through cataract surgery.
Once you’ve been diagnosed with cataracts, you face a very important decision: which treatment option is right for you? Today’s cataract surgery is not one-size-fits-all, and it’s normal to have questions.
To help you make the right choice for your cataract surgery treatment, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide on the latest technology available. Our dedicated doctors are here to help ensure you receive the best, personalized treatment for you.
Cataract surgery is typically done by an ophthalmologist, a medical doctor specializing in eye care. This procedure aims to improve vision by removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with a clear artificial lens implant called an intraocular lens (IOL). The surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis, meaning patients can go home the same day. The procedure is typically painless, and patients are given local anesthesia to numb the eye.
The surgeon makes a small incision in the cornea and uses ultrasound energy to break up the cloudy lens. The fragments are removed, and the IOL is inserted into the eye. The incision is usually self-sealing and does not require stitches.
One of the ways cataract surgery has improved in recent years is through the development of laser-assisted cataract surgery. Unlike traditional cataract surgery, where a scalpel is used to make an incision in the eye by hand, laser cataract surgery is computer-guided. The eye’s surface is mapped to tell the laser the exact location, size, and depth of incisions. This results in a safer, gentler procedure.
The laser also creates a more precise and accurate outcome, which allows eye surgeons to correct a wide range of vision problems, including astigmatism and far- and near-sightedness at the time of cataract surgery. This allows you to correct two eye conditions with one procedure and reduces or eliminates the need for glasses.
Cataract surgery is one of the most common and safest surgeries in medicine. It takes only 30–45 minutes or less. Patients go home the same day as their procedure. If you need cataract surgery in both eyes, you will undergo two separate operations. Our surgeons like the first eye to recover before they operate on the second.
Your doctor will schedule your surgeries for each eye based on each patient’s needs. Some patients will wait as little as one week between surgeries. Others will wait 4–6 weeks or longer to get cataract surgery in the other eye, depending on eye health and symptom severity.
The recovery time for cataract surgery is relatively short. Most people can resume normal activities within a few days, and experience improved vision within a week or two. It’s common to experience some temporary discomfort, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light during the first few days after surgery, but these usually improve over time.
Patients should avoid bending over, strenuous exercise, or lifting objects heavier than five pounds for the first week after surgery. Patients are advised to sleep on the opposite side of their healing eye to avoid pressure and shorten the healing process.
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The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.
