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What Is Cataract Surgery?

Cataract surgery is a common and highly successful outpatient procedure designed to remove the cloudy natural lens of the eye and replace it with a clear artificial lens, known as an intraocular lens (IOL). This procedure typically takes less than an hour, and patients can return home the same day. At Hashemi Eye Care, we use small-incision cataract surgery techniques to ensure precision, minimize healing time, and reduce the risk of complications. This advanced approach allows for clearer vision and a quicker recovery.

Who Needs Cataract Surgery?

Your eye doctor may recommend cataract surgery if cataracts significantly affect your ability to perform daily tasks like reading, driving, or recognizing faces. Cataract surgery may also be necessary even if cataracts aren’t the primary cause of vision problems, as removing them can allow your doctor to better evaluate and treat other eye conditions, such as diabetic retinopathy or age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Typically, surgery on both eyes will be scheduled separately, with a recovery period of about a month between procedures.

Preparing for Cataract Surgery

Preparation for cataract surgery is crucial for a successful outcome. Here's what to expect before the procedure:

Eye Measurements: A month before surgery, your doctor will measure the size and shape of your eye to choose the correct IOL.
Medication Adjustments: If you’re on medications that could increase the risk of bleeding, your doctor may ask you to stop taking them temporarily.
Eye Drops: You may be prescribed special eye drops to prevent infection before surgery.
Fasting: Your doctor will instruct you not to eat or drink for several hours before the surgery.
Eyelid Cleaning: You may need to clean your eyelids and lashes with baby shampoo the night before and the morning of your surgery to reduce the risk of infection.

On the day of the surgery, bring a friend or family member to drive you home since you'll be unable to drive.

What Happens During Cataract Surgery?

Cataract surgery involves the removal of the cloudy lens from your eye and replacing it with an artificial lens (IOL). The procedure is typically painless and lasts about an hour. Here’s what happens:

Numbing Drops: Your eye will be numbed using special drops.
Surgery Procedure: The surgeon will make a tiny incision, use an ultrasound probe to break up the cataract, and remove the cloudy lens. The new IOL will then be placed in the eye.
Recovery Area: After the procedure, you’ll rest in a recovery area before being discharged.

Types of Intraocular Lenses (IOLs)

You have several IOL options during cataract surgery, and your doctor will guide you in choosing the right one based on your vision needs and lifestyle.

Monofocal Lenses

These lenses correct vision at a single distance—either near or far. You can choose:

Distance Correction: Ideal for driving and watching TV, but you may still need glasses for reading.
Near Vision Correction: Best for close-up tasks like reading, but glasses will be needed for distance vision.

Toric Lenses

For patients with astigmatism, toric lenses correct both the cataract and astigmatism, providing clearer vision and reducing the need for glasses.

Presbyopia-Correcting Lenses

These multi-focal or extended depth-of-focus lenses allow for both near and far vision correction, potentially eliminating the need for glasses after surgery.

What Happens After Cataract Surgery?

Post-surgery care is essential for a smooth recovery. You may experience mild discomfort, sensitivity to light, or itching in the days following surgery. Your doctor will provide specific post-operative care instructions, including how to use eye drops, avoid touching the eye, and protect it from infections.

Most patients notice improved vision within a few days. Full recovery can take up to 8 weeks, and you’ll need follow-up appointments to monitor healing.

Medications for Post-Operative Care

Your doctor will prescribe medications to help with healing and prevent complications. These include:

Prednisolone: A corticosteroid that reduces inflammation.
Prolensa and Flurbiprofen: NSAIDs to manage pain and inflammation.
Moxifloxacin: An antibiotic to prevent infections.

For more details, visit our Medication Guide Page.

Benefits of Cataract Surgery

Clear Vision: Eliminates cloudiness caused by cataracts.
Reduced Glare: Improves comfort in bright environments.
Improved Night Vision: Makes nighttime driving safer.
Enhanced Color Perception: Colors appear brighter and more vivid.

Risks of Cataract Surgery

Although cataract surgery is among safest surgeries, like any procedure, it carries some risks, including:

Infection: Although rare, it can occur if post-op care isn’t followed.
Swelling or Bleeding: Managed with medications and close follow-up.
Retinal Detachment: Rare but requires immediate medical attention.
Secondary Cataracts: A condition called posterior capsule opacification (PCO), where a laser procedure may be needed to restore vision.

Your doctor will discuss these risks with you to ensure you are fully informed before proceeding with surgery.

If you’re considering cataract surgery or want to learn more about the benefits and potential outcomes, contact us to schedule a consultation with our expert team. For additional information on cataracts and their treatment, visit our Cataracts Page.

For more detailed information on cataract surgery, its benefits, and the latest treatment options, visit the following trusted resources: