Cataract Surgery

The natural “lens” in the eye focuses the light on objects so that we can see clearly. Like the lens in a camera, it brings our world into focus at different distances. As we age, the natural lens becomes cloudy, discolored, and stiffer, which is then called a “cataract.” This is also part of the reason why most people need reading glasses after around forty years of age, called “presbyopia.”

Photo above shows a cataract, the yellow haze you see within the pupil

We use numbing drops and medication to ensure you’re comfortable and relaxed during the procedure. Most patients only notice lights changing colors. You’ll receive medication through an IV to help with relaxation and pain, but you will remain awake and breathing on your own. After surgery, mild irritation, similar to having an eyelash in your eye, is typical, but most patients don’t need more than occasional Tylenol or preservative free artificial tears to feel comfortable.

Usually, surgery on the second eye is scheduled two weeks after the first. If healing takes longer, we will adjust the timeline to ensure your first eye is functioning well before the second surgery.

You can usually be fitted for new glasses or contacts about a month after surgery on your second eye.

Dry eyes can impact measurements for cataract surgery. Use artificial tear drops like Systane, Refresh, or TheraTears four times daily for at a week or two prior to your preoperative appointment to improve accuracy and post-surgery comfort. 

• Monofocal Lens: Full time glasses are needed after surgery to see clearly at all distances. 
• Monovision: One eye is set for near vision; one eye set for distance vision. You must have tried this before in contacts for this to be an option because some patients to not adapt well to this change, feel off balance, or lose their depth perception.
• Toric Lens: Corrects corneal astigmatism (where the clear covering of the eye is shaped more like a football than a basketball) to allow clearer distance vision. Post operatively, most patients can drive without glasses, and only need over the counter “cheaters” to read.

• Multifocal/Trifocal/EDOF Lens: These advanced technology lenses correct corneal astigmatism AND presbyopia at the same time as your cataract surgery, giving you the best opportunity to have freedom from glasses at distance, intermediate, and near. Not an option if you have diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, or other retinal issues. 
• Light Adjustable Lens: These advanced technology lenses also correct corneal astigmatism and presbyopia at the same time as your cataract surgery AND are able to be adjusted with a light after surgery without the need to have further surgeries. This lens is able to give freedom for glasses at most distances and is a great option for patients who have high demands for clear vision and have other ocular conditions like previous RK, LASIK/PRK, macular degeneration or corneal issues. It does require more dilated visits and more “chair time” but is customizable to your vision preferences. It offers slightly less near vision than the multifocal lenses but does not have the risk of glare or halos or rings around lights like multifocal lenses.

Cataract surgery is a personal decision. If your vision loss begins to affect your daily life and activities, it may be time to consider surgery. However, surgery is not mandatory just because you’ve been diagnosed with cataracts.

Cataract surgery involves making small incisions, less than 3 mm, in the clear front part of the eye called the cornea. A specialized instrument uses sound waves to break up the cataract and remove it. The cloudy lens is then replaced with a clear artificial lens, called an intraocular lens (IOL). 

You will generally be seen the next day, within the next week, and about a month after surgery back at the Henry Eye Clinic. If you were referred by your optometrist, you will typically see them at their office a week after the second eye for co-management and to ensure continuity of care.

Although cataract surgery is generally very safe and effective and the complication rate is less than one percent. Risks include infection, retinal swelling, loss of vision, and potential need for further surgery.

Stop wearing contacts two weeks before your preoperative appointment. Contact lenses can temporarily change the shape of your cornea, which can affect the accuracy of measurements used to determine your new intraocular lens power. 

Once removed, a cataract cannot return. However, over time, the capsular bag holding your artificial lens may become cloudy, a condition called posterior capsular opacification or “secondary cataract.” This can be treated with a quick, painless outpatient laser procedure.