What Happens During Cataract Surgery

A cataract is the clouding of the lens inside the eye causing blurred or tinted vision, seeing double, impaired night vision, and extra sensitivity to light.  The vision loss from cataracts happens slowly over time and cannot be corrected with glasses or contact lenses or with corneal refractive surgery such as Lasik.  Cataracts are typically an age-related disease, and according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, “cataracts affect more than 24.4 million Americans age 40 and older. By age 75, approximately half of all Americans have cataracts.”  

The surgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, and while cataract surgery may sound scary, most people get excellent results.  During surgery, the affected lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL).  The procedure has been improved over the last several years by the use of a high-frequency ultrasound device, which has resulted in faster healing times and less complications.  

Before you have the surgery, your ophthalmologist will perform tests on your eye to determine if you have any risk factors as well as what size and type of IOL will give you the best outcome.  You will also have input into the type of IOL you want to get that will depend on your needs and personal preferences.  One type of lens is an advanced presbyopia-correcting IOL that improves your reading vision without interfering with your distance vision.   

The actual procedure typically takes about 15 minutes but you will be there for a couple of hours to get prepped and a small recovery period afterward.  Your doctor may have you wear an eye patch for a short time, and you should expect your vision to be distorted for at least a few days.  Other common issues include feeling as if your eye is dry and itchy but you will be advised to not scratch or rub it.   Doctors also recommend if you choose to wear glasses after surgery, you pick lenses with anti-reflective coating or photochromic lenses.    

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Source: aplaceformom.com/blog/what-to-expect-from-cataract-surgery/