Please choose from the following frequently asked questions about cataracts.
Will new glasses help people with cataracts see better?
Sometimes they do. During a complete eye examination, we evaluate vision and
the total health of the eye, also screening for other disorders like
glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetes. This allows us to determine
whether a change in glasses would provide a significant improvement in
vision. When cataracts become severe, even new glasses will not help because
the eye is seeing through a cloudy internal lens that can not be corrected
with glasses.
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Can cataracts be reversed or prevented?
Wearing ultraviolet (UV) protecting sunglasses could possibly help reduce the
progression of cataract. It is worthwhile for most people to invest in a
good quality pair of sunglasses, which need not be very expensive. Also, a
balanced diet containing a reasonable amount of antioxidant vitamins could possibly
help prevent cataracts.
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Do cataracts happen to both eyes at the same time?
Generally, cataracts progress at about the same rate in both eyes. Many
people are more bothered by cataract symptoms in one eye first, however.
During an examination, we can determine whether any other conditions such as
macular degeneration are also contributing to difficulty with vision.
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When should I have my cataract removed and why?
We no longer recommend surgery when a cataract is "ripe". Rather, the
decision for surgery is based on when visual difficulties begin to interfere
with normal activities of daily living, like driving, reading, work, or
hobbies.
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Is cataract surgery performed in a hospital or as an outpatient?
Cataract surgery is performed as an outpatient. The staff is highly
skilled in helping patients comfortably go through the steps of surgery.
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How long does the cataract surgery take?
Surgery itself takes about ten minutes in the operating room. Most people
are in the center for about two hours, including pre- and post-operative
time.
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Is cataract surgery performed under a general anesthesia?
Cataract surgery is performed with local anesthesia only. We provide
intravenous medications to help patients fully relax. We also administer
local medicines around the eye so that patients don't feel any discomfort during surgery.
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Is cataract surgery painful?
Most people say that there is no pain during or after cataract surgery. They
may experience a scratchy sensation (like an eyelash in the eye) and mild
soreness for about 24 hours after surgery. If necessary, they take aspirin,
Advil (ibuprofen), or Tylenol (acetaminophen). Stronger pain medicine is
also available if necessary.
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How is the cataract removed?
The cataract is removed in a ten minute procedure where a small opening
(less than 1/8 inch) is made in the front of the eye (the cornea) to allow
the surgeon to dissolve the lens of the eye and remove it in tiny pieces. An
artificial lens implant made of silicone or acrylic is folded into a small
package, then inserted into the eye and unfolded in the proper position. In
this position, the new lens will remain permanently. It will never need
maintenance or replacement.
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After the surgery will my cataract come back?
After cataract surgery it is impossible for a cataract to come back because
the lens of the eye, where the cataract grows, has been removed. The new
lens implant will last a lifetime and never need maintenance or replacement.
It is possible, however, for a cloudy film to grow on the lens capsule
membrane that is located behind the lens implant. This occurs in about 40%
of cataract surgery patients but, usually many months or years after
surgery. Treatment of this film, sometimes called a "secondary cataract", is
done with a laser in a simple outpatient procedure that involves no
postoperative restrictions or downtime for most people.
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Will I need reading glasses after cataract surgery?
With lens implant technology, our surgeons can choose to correct vision to
achieve good uncorrected distance vision in both eyes. This allows some
people to pass a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) test without glasses. In
such a case, it would be necessary to wear reading glasses for fine print,
though some large print reading may be possible without glasses.
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What restrictions will I have after cataract surgery?
For the first four hours after surgery, an eye patch is placed on the
healing eye and the effects of anesthesia will be wearing off. During this
time we recommend restful activity. Eating, watching television, reading,
and walking around the house are allowed. After the eye patch is removed,
patients can begin administering their postoperative eye drops.
For the first few days after surgery, heavy lifting (more than 20 pounds) is
not allowed, and we recommend avoiding eye makeup for one week.
There are other restrictions as well after surgery. These are fully
discussed with our doctors and counselors before surgery. For more
information about restrictions after surgery, contact us.
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What are the risks of cataract surgery?
There are risks with every kind of surgery, and cataract surgery is no
exception. The risk of severe complications, such as infection, severe
inflammation, or retinal detachment are about 1 in 1000. Other,
less severe complications of surgery may occur more frequently, as often as
1 in 100 times. These less severe complications can include the need for
additional surgery or prolonged recovery time with delayed visual
improvement.
This is not a complete list of risks that occur with surgery, and individual
patients may have other risks based on their co-existing medical or eye
conditions. Our doctors have extensive experience performing cataract
surgery in unusual circumstances and can fully discuss these risks during an
office consultation. Contact us to schedule your consultation for cataract
surgery.
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