What Happens During Surgery?

Cataract surgery is usually performed under local or topical anesthesia on an out-patient basis.  When topical anesthetic is used, a patient may be given a sedative to help him relax and to prevent discomfort during the procedure.  The eye is then anesthetized with eye drops instead of a needle injection.  Your ophthalmologist will use a microscope and delicate instruments to remove the cataract.  In most cases, the focusing power of the eye is restored by permanently implanting a lens inside the eye. This plastic lens implant is held in place by a natural membrane.  In approximately 20% of patients, this natural membrane will become cloudy and hinder vision.  If this condition arises, your doctor can use a laser to open the membrane and restore vision.  (Lasers are only used to treat a cloudy membrane; they are not used to remove the cataract itself.)

In some cases, ultrasound technology may be used to remove a cataract.  In this procedure, a probe is inserted through a small 1/8-inch opening (instead of a relatively wide incision) in the cornea (clear part of the eye that covers the iris).  Ultrasound is used to gently break up the cloudy lens into tiny pieces that can be removed through the tip of the probe.  A special lens can then be implanted through the smaller incision.

What Can I Expect from Cataract Surgery?  

Cataract surgery is almost always highly successful.  Over 90% of patients who have the surgery enjoy improved vision.  Patients can often resume normal activities within hours after surgery.  Many patients find that their vision improvement also begins immediately.  Some may find their vision better than ever, while others may need to wear glasses for reading and other activities after the procedure.  During the initial healing period there may be a few limitations on strenuous activities, but most people can return to normal life immediately, while also engaging in activities that were once off-limits due to cataracts.

Should you choose to have the new ReSTOR lens implanted, you will have the benefit of improved distance and near vision.  This lens will further reduce your dependency on glasses.  Your doctor can help you determine if you are a candidate for this lens.

Of course, no surgery is 100% successful, and it is imperative to understand that complications can occur during or after the surgery.  Some of these complications can be severe enough to limit vision.  As with any surgery, a good result cannot be guaranteed.  Make sure to discuss the surgery in detail with your doctor, and have all of your questions answered.  At Thomas Eye Group, we welcome and encourage our patients' questions.

To schedule an appointment with  one of our  cataract experts, please call us for an appointment, or use our online appointment request form.

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