Cataract Surgery
Are there different kinds of intraocular lenses (IOLs)? Can
an IOL eliminate my need for glasses?
Intraocular lens are available with different focusing
powers. Depending on the type of lens you select, you may or may not need
glasses if you wore them before your cataract surgery. Types of IOLs includes:
Monofocal IOLs: These are precisely measured for close,
medium range or long-range distance vision. Most people have them set for
distance vision and then choose to wear reading glasses for close vision.
Multifocal IOLs: These IOLs allow for both near and far
focus at the same time.
Accommodative IOLs: These IOLs allow for focusing at
different distances.
Toric IOLs: These IOLs are designed to correct the
refractive error in people with astigmatism.
Talk with your ophthalmologist about different IOL
replacement options and what might be best suited for you. Be sure to check
with your insurance provider too. Usually only monofocal lenses are covered by
insurance. If other lenses may a better choice for you, this would be an
out-of-pocket expense.
Who needs cataract surgery?
You may need cataract surgery if cataracts are causing
vision problems that interfere with your activities, like driving or reading.
Your provider also may need to remove a cataract to see the
back of your eye and help manage other eye conditions, such as:
Age-related changes in the retina (the tissue at the back of
the eye).
Diabetes-related retinopathy, an eye condition affecting
people with diabetes.
How do I decide if it’s time for cataract surgery?
When you first notice cataract symptoms, a new prescription
for eyeglasses or contact lenses might help. But cataracts usually get worse
over time. Eventually, you and your healthcare provider may decide to do
cataract surgery to help you see well enough to do all the things you want to
do and need to do.
Cataracts are not an emergency. You can wait to have the
surgery until it’s best for you.
How common is cataract surgery?
Cataracts and cataract surgery are very common in older
adults. More than half of all Americans over 80 have cataracts or cataract surgery.
Who performs cataract surgery?
An ophthalmologist, a type of eye doctor, performs cataract
surgery.
What happens before cataract surgery?
Before cataract surgery, your ophthalmologist:
Will measure your eye to find the correct focusing power for
your IOL.
Will ask about medications you take.
May prescribe eyedrops to prevent infection and reduce eye
swelling.
What happens during cataract surgery?
You may have to fast (not eat or drink) for a few hours
before the surgery. Your provider may also ask you to stop taking certain
medications for a few days.
Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure, so you go home
shortly after the surgery. You’ll need someone to come with you who can drive
you home.
Here’s what to expect during the surgery:
Numbing medication: Your provider numbs the eye with drops
or an injection. You may also get medication to help you relax. You will be
awake during the surgery and see light and movement. But you won’t see what the
ophthalmologist is doing to your eye. The surgery won’t hurt.
Cataract removal: Your provider uses a special microscope to
see your eye. They create tiny incisions to reach the lens. Then they use
ultrasound waves to break up the lens and remove it. Finally, they place the
new lens.
Recovery: You won’t need stitches. The tiny incisions close
by themselves. Your provider will tape a shield (like an eye patch) over your
eye to protect it.
How long does cataract surgery last?
The actual cataract removal only takes a few minutes. The
entire procedure often takes less than 20 to 30 minutes.
What happens after cataract surgery?
Most people go home within about 30 minutes after the
surgery. You can typically remove the eye shield by the next day, although you
may need to wear it while you sleep. You will need to use special eyedrops for
about four weeks after surgery.
It can take a few days to weeks for your vision to clear up.
Other temporary side effects include:
Blurred or double vision.
Gritty feeling in your eyes.
Red or bloodshot eyes.
Watery eyes.
What are the advantages of cataract surgery?
Cataract surgery is the only way to get rid of a cataract
and sharpen your eyesight again. No other medicines or eyedrops are proven to
improve cataracts.
Cataract surgery has a high success rate in improving
people’s eyesight. Around 9 out of 10 people see better afterward.
After surgery, you can expect to:
See things clearer.
Have less glare when you look at bright lights.
Tell the difference between colors.
What are the risks of cataract surgery?
Cataract surgery is a safe, routine procedure. But like any
surgery, it comes with risks, including:
Eye infection, bleeding or swelling.
Retinal detachment, when the retina separates from the back
of the eye.