Cataract Treatment
Cataract Surgery FAQs
Because cataract surgery is an important decision that involves your eyes and your vision, you're bound to have questions. Make sure to discuss any questions you have with us. This is the best way to get clear, candid answers that apply specifically to your vision and the cataract procedure you are considering.
For general information, we've listed many of the questions people commonly ask about cataract surgery. The questions cover everything from "Will it hurt?" to "How much does it cost?"
If you don't see your question or topic addressed here, please give us a call at (845) 562-0138 or send us your question by clicking here.
When is the best time to treat cataracts?
Many people believe cataracts have to be "ripe" (in a highly advanced stage) before they can be removed. This is no longer true. Today, cataract surgery is a routine procedure that can be typically performed as soon as you and your physician feel your vision interferes with the quality of your life.
What happens if cataracts go untreated?
Over time, the clouded area of your lens can become larger and thicker, causing your sight to become worse. This could take anywhere from a few months to many years. Eventually, your entire lens can cloud and cause blindness.
How do I know which lens implant is right for me?
No single lens works best for everyone, and only one of our eye surgeons can determine the most appropriate option for you. Multifocal lenses can offer less dependence on glasses and lead to a greater quality of life. Overall, patients who chose a multifocal lens over a standard monofocal lens have expressed greater satisfaction with their choice. In fact, over 93 percent of patients who have had a multifocal IOL would choose to have it implanted again.1
Who performs cataract surgery?
Only ophthalmologists who have special training in eye surgery can perform cataract procedures.
How successful is cataract surgery?
Cataract surgery has an overall success rate of 98 percent or greater. Continuous innovations in techniques and instruments make the procedure safer than ever.
Can cataracts come back?
Once a cataract has been removed, it cannot return. However, over time, patients may complain that their vision has once again become cloudy. This condition is known as a secondary cataract. It can be treated by a simple laser procedure performed in our office.
Will I be asleep during cataract surgery?
Since this procedure does not take very long, it is unnecessary to put you completely asleep with general anesthesia. Instead, your surgeon will use a local/topical anesthetic drop to numb your eye and you will remain awake during the surgery.
Does cataract surgery hurt?
Thanks to numbing drops and medications to help you relax, this procedure involves minimal discomfort. Also, recovery time is very short. Find out what you can expect during the cataract surgery procedure here.
Who performs the procedure, a surgeon or a technician?
Only ophthalmologists who have special training in eye surgery can perform cataract procedures. There will be a technician and nurse in the room to assist the ophthalmologist.
How long will the surgery last?
Most surgeries last between 15 and 30 minutes. Duration may depend on the type of procedure being performed.
I have cataracts in both eyes. Will the doctor treat both at the same time?
Typically, we will perform surgery in the second eye 2 or 3 weeks after the first eye. All patients are different, so we will discuss what is right for you.
How long will I be in the hospital?
Cataract surgery is routinely an out-patient procedure. Patients commonly spend only a few hours at the hospital or surgery center, and are allowed to go home the very same day. Find out what you can expect after cataract surgery.
How long before I can see after surgery?
Every patient and every eye is different, but some people see well almost immediately following surgery. Patients commonly see well enough to drive the day after surgery. We will discuss with you how quickly we expect you to recover.
How will I feel after cataract surgery?
Immediately after surgery, you might feel a little groggy due to the local anesthesia.
Can I drive myself home after cataract surgery?
No. You will need to make arrangements to have someone drive you home. If this is not possible, ask us to help you make arrangements.
What will happen immediately following the surgery?
We may place a protective patch and/or dark glasses over your eye then take you into the outpatient recovery area. After a brief period of observation, your surgeon or one of our staff will discuss how to care for your eye at home and provide you with medication prescriptions, if we haven't already. Your follow-up visit will be scheduled, usually for within 24 hours, and then you will be allowed to go home, but someone else must drive you home.
What will I experience on the first few days after surgery?
Your eye may be sensitive to the touch and maybe even a little scratchy for a few days. You will need to administer your eye drops on the schedule provided by us and return for your scheduled follow-up examination to ensure the best possible outcomes from the surgery. We will most likely advise you that it is okay to resume your normal daily activities such as reading, writing, watching TV, and walking, if you feel up to it. We will also probably advise that you wear your protective eye covering while you sleep.
Are there any activities I should avoid immediately after and in the first week after surgery?
It is important that you avoid rubbing your eye or getting anything in your eye, even water, which could increase the chance of infection. You should not wear eye make-up until we tell you that it is okay, and you should avoid sleeping on the side of the eye that has been operated on.
You should also avoid any kind of straining or activities that could increase the pressure on your eye, including bending over and lifting heavy objects.
When will I need to have my eyes checked after surgery?
We will advise you based on your procedure. Typically, we like to see you one day after surgery, after 2 to 4 weeks, and again around 3 to 6 months after surgery. Thereafter, an annual exam is typical.
After surgery, will I need glasses?
If we have implanted a monofocal intraocular lens you may need glasses. A monofocal IOL only has one focus point, and it allows you to focus on objects in the distance.
- If we implanted a multifocal IOL, there is a significant chance you may not need glasses. For example, more than 78 percent of people in the FDA trial for a specific type of multifocal IOL, the AcrySof® IQ ReSTOR® IOL, reported never having to use glasses at any time. However, there is a small chance that you will need glasses for some tasks through the healing or adaptation period. There is a much greater chance that you may only need time to adapt
- If we implanted an IOL, such as the AcrySof® IQ Toric IOL, which is designed to reduce or correct your astigmatism at the time of surgery. You may not need glasses for distance vision, but you will likely need glasses for near tasks.
References
- AcrySof® IQ ReSTOR® IOL (Model SN6AD1). Directions for Use.