Cataract Surgery

Cataracts impair vision by scattering the amount of light that passes through the eye lens. When light passes through the lens and is scattered, the eye cannot focus properly. This impairs vision.

Before deciding if you are a proper candidate for eye surgery your doctor will perform a comprehensive exam. Typically when performed today cataract surgery is performed using a procedure referred to as a "microincisional" procedure. This results in relatively little discomfort for patients and a speedy recovery. The additional benefits of this procedure include a reduced risk of developing astigmatism, which sometimes results from any kind of eye surgery.

What to Expect
Most cataract surgeries are performed on an outpatient basis only. Patients typically will arrive and prepare for surgery an hour before the actual procedure takes place. Your health care provider will then apply multiple medications to help prevent pain, reduce irritation and reduce your risk of infection. Your pupil will also be fully dilated.

Most of the time cataract surgery is performed using a local or topical anesthetic. When a local anesthetic is used the surrounding muscles of the eye are often numbed to help improve your comfort level.

During surgery it is likely you will remain awake, though some physicians may opt to place you under mild sedation depending on your preferences and other health factors. Surgery is relatively quick and painless, lasting no more than 30 minutes in most cases. If for some reason during surgery a patient needs to cough or sneeze they must simply inform their surgeon ahead of time. Don't worry, you will have adequate opportunity to cough or sneeze!

Once the cataract is removed your doctor may move you to an observation area for a period of time, where you will be provided with instructions for caring for your eye over the next few days. Most patients are then discharged and may return home within the hour.

After Surgery
Most patients will return to their doctor for a follow up visit up to a day or two after cataract surgery. This may vary depending on your circumstance. Some patients may need to wear a protective eye covering for the first few days after surgery, even when sleeping. This will help prevent rubbing of the eye or direct pressure to the eye through the eyelid.

Your doctor will prescribe certain prescription eye drops to help reduce infection and to help reduce inflammation and redness after surgery. A patient may need to use these for up to one month after surgery.

Will You See After Surgery?
You may find it takes up to a month for your vision to return completely after surgery. How fast and how well you see immediately after surgery may depend on multiple factors including the severity of your condition. Most patients can return to normal activities however the day after or just a couple of days after surgery. You may need to get a new prescription for corrective lenses after surgery. Typically most doctors recommend you wait several weeks to see what happens with your vision before prescribing lenses.

Many patients are pleasantly surprised to find their vision much better immediately following surgery. You may even find your vision is even better than it was before you developed a cataract!

Related Articles:

• Cataract - Description, Causes and Treatment
• Are You a Good Candidate for Cataract Surgery?
• After Cataract Surgery
• Multifocal Intraocular Lenses - A Good Choice for Cataract Patients
• New Lenses May Improve Vision Among Patients With Cataracts

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