Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery is a quick, painless eye surgery to remove a cloudy lens that is causing vision problems. More than 50% of people over the age of 80 have cataracts or have had cataract surgery. Some 90% of people have successful surgery, which is improvement in vision. Full recovery can take up to eight weeks.

What is cataract surgery? Cataract surgery is a type of eye surgery to remove a cataract (cloudy lens). Your eye, like a camera, has a lens for focusing light. This lens is normally clear. When this lens turns cloudy, it's called a “cataract.” Cataract surgery removes the cloudy lens and replaces it with a clear artificial lens, restoring your vision. In vision, light passes through a clear lens on the eye. The lens focuses the light so your brain and eye can process information into a picture. When a the lens becomes cloudy, the eye can’t focus light. You end up with blurry vision or other symptoms like glare an halos around bright lights.

What is an intraocular lens? The intraocular lens (IOL) is an artificial lens that replaces the cloudy natural lens. It is flexible and often rolled to be placed into the eye through a smaller incision.

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.