Cataract Surgery & What To Expect

What is cataract surgery?

Cataract surgery is a procedure to take out your eye's lens when it begins to cloud. This lens has one main job: to bend rays that come into the eye in order to you see; however, the lens needs to be clear in order for this to happen, with cataracts it is cloudy. Having a cataract makes vision foggy. Things may look blurry or less colorful. Surgery is the only way to remove a cataract; however, your ophthalmologist will recommend removing a cataract only when it is necessary. During cataract surgery, the cloudy lens within your eye is removed and replaced with a clear artificial lens.

What to expect with cataract surgery

Before surgery:

Your ophthalmologist will take measures of your eye to determine the proper focusing power for cataract surgery. Eye drops may be prescribed before surgery. This prescription helps prevent infection and reduce swelling during and after surgery.

The day of surgery:

Your eye will be numbed with either drops or an injection around the eye; however, you will be awake during surgery. Light and movement may be visible during your procedure, but you will not see what the doctor is doing to the eye. Your surgeon will access the eye through a tiny cut near the edge of your cornea. He uses this opening to reach the lens in your eye. Using very small instruments, the doctor will break up the lens with the cataract and remove it. Then your new lens is inserted. Your eye will be covered for protection while you heal.

Days or weeks after surgery:

You will have prescriptions after surgery. Be sure to follow your doctor's directions for using these. Avoid soap or water contact with the eye. Do not rub or press the area. Your ophthalmologist may suggest eyeglasses to protect your eyes. Your ophthalmologist will tell you when you can safely return to normal life such as exercising, driving, and more.

Cataract surgery does not aid with vision loss from other eye conditions.

What are the risks of cataract surgery?

• Infection.
• Bleeding.
• Ongoing swelling.
• Swelling of the retina.
• Detached retina.
• Damage to other parts of your eye.
• Vision loss.
• The implant may move out of position.
• Cloudy or blurry vision weeks, months or years after cataract surgery.

With any type of surgery, there are risks which could occur. Your ophthalmologist will discuss the risks and benefits with you prior to surgery.

Summary

Cataract surgery is when your eye's cloudy lens is replaced to restore clear vision. If you have any questions about your vision, speak with your eye doctor as he is available to protect your eyes.