Cataract Surgery

Customized eye surgery for the purest cataract removal.

Cataract surgery involves the removal of the natural lenses from your eye, which has been obscured by the presence of a cataract. Typically, the cataract removal is followed by the placement of an intraocular lens implant into the eye. Which of the various implant types is right for you is determined after a thorough examination of your eye and a discussion with your surgeon. For more information on intraocular lens implants, please click here.

What You Can Expect Prior to Surgery

If you and your doctor determine you require filtering microsurgery, you’ll set an appointment to meet your surgeon again for a comprehensive pre-surgical eye exam and evaluation of your specific situation. At this consultation your surgeon will advise you how to prepare for your upcoming surgery:

  • Stop wearing contact lenses
  • Take fish oil supplements to decrease dry eye symptoms
  • Insert artificial tears (liquid drops) four times per day

What You Can Expect During Surgery

You’ll be asked to arrive 45 minutes prior to surgery to sign various forms, including your operative consent form. You’ll also receive post-operative instructions and meet again with your surgeon to answer any questions. Because you cannot drive after surgery, please make arrangements to have someone take care of your transportation.

In most cases, there is no pain involved. The surgery is usually done with relaxing medications and a local anesthetic.

  • You will take a Valium to relax and settle back into a near-horizontal position in your surgical chair
  • A special pillow keeps your head comfortable and still
  • Anesthetic drops are applied to numb your eyes; additional drops are used throughout the procedure
  • Sometimes a relatively painless injection is also given around or behind the eye to prevent eye movement
  • As a patient, you will feel relaxed and drowsy and will not experience pain during surgery
  • Your surgeon will place a special ring that gently applies pressure to flatten your cornea and hold the eye still
  • This pressure, or suction, may be uncomfortable and darken your vision; this is normal, but is only temporary
  • A lid speculum is placed into the eye to prevent blinking
  • Anesthetic drops are again applied
  • In most surgeries, your surgeon uses an ultrasonic hand instrument to make a microincision in the cornea to access the cataract
  • In some cataract surgeries, your surgeon uses precision laser technology to create the incision
  • With the incision made, your surgeon next uses a micro probe to break up the cataract and remove it
  • If you are also receiving an intraocular lens implant, the new lens is now inserted
  • Once the cataract is removed (and the lens implanted), the suction is turned off and the ring removed
  • Because this is a minimally invasive procedure, the microincision typically heals itself without the need for stitches
  • The entire procedure takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes per eye
  • Once the procedure is completed, your eye will be covered with a bandage, which can usually be removed within a few hours
  • Because general anesthesia is only necessary in rare circumstances, most patients will be able to go home within two to three hours of arrival

What You Can Expect After Surgery

Recovery time is typically one or two days, but every person is unique and your healing experience will depend on the underlying health of your eye and the ease of your surgery. That’s why it is imperative to plan regularly scheduled visits for your surgeon and technician to monitor your progress. Blurry or foggy vision is typical immediately after surgery. Your eyes may feel somewhat sore and gritty, which is also normal. These symptoms will improve and irritation will subside within a few days. Your eyes may also be slightly swollen and you may see red spots (superficial blood) on the whites of your eyes, but these symptoms will also disappear within weeks after surgery.

  • Do not rub your eyes or squeeze your eyelids
  • Expect drowsiness for several hours after surgery due to the Valium
  • As soon as possible after surgery, get some sleep – and be sure to wear your protective eye shield
  • When you awake, take the prescribed medication and eye drops; note, these may sting
  • Wash your hands prior to using drops and do not touch the dropper to your eye
  • Meet your surgeon for your first post-op visit the day after surgery to check eye pressure and look for signs of infection or inflammation
  • If you have severe pain, severe loss of vision or a discharge other than tearing – call our office anytime, 24/7

Ongoing Care Following Surgery

Filtering microsurgery is a high-reward procedure with exceptional statistics of success. Still, complications can arise and patients are encouraged to follow the strictest protocol to help ensure they maximize the results of their surgery. Vision can be blurred for up to six weeks after the surgery, but typically returns to pre-surgical levels. If you wear contact lenses, you may experience some discomfort after surgery.

  • At your first post op-visit, your surgeon will validate whether your vision is acceptable for driving
  • You’ll also want to change your driver’s license to remove your vision restriction
  • Wear the protective eye shields at bedtime or while napping for one week after surgery
  • Do not swim or use a hot tub, sauna or any place with treated water for two weeks after surgery
  • Resume normal exercise, but for contact sports wear eye protection for three months after surgery
  • Do not wear eye makeup for two weeks after surgery
  • Purchase new makeup and brushes to avoid spreading bacteria from used products
  • Continue taking fish oil supplements and artificial tears
  • Continue taking eye drops per your surgeon’s instructions