Cataract FAQ's

Only if delay in its removal could cause permanent irreparable damage to the eye. If the cataract is causing glaucoma or is preventing necessary treatment of the back of the eye, then the cataract should be removed immediately to prevent further injury. If removing a cataract only for improvement in vision, then surgery is elective. However, patients who do not delay surgery will receive the best visual results. Such a delay means that the cataract, by its nature, will become more dense and, thus, more difficult to remove. In addition, patients who delay surgery tend to have higher complication rates than those who have regular check-ups and opt for surgery when visual difficulties are no longer improved by a change in glasses. The surgeon and patient must together discuss the goals of surgery. The goal should not be simply to improve vision, but to significantly improve your vision and your lifestyle.

Pre-operatively your ophthalmologist may ask a family physician to evaluate you and ensure that your blood pressure, blood sugar, and general medical problems are under control. As the procedure is likely to be performed with anesthetic drops alone (no injections), there is minimal risk associated with the procedure. Because the same types of topical medicines are used during the pre-operative exam, if you tolerate the examination well then you will tolerate the surgery well.

Any patient who can undergo a thorough eye examination can undergo surgery if the procedure is performed with a topical anesthetic-drops alone method.

Because you will not be able to drive, you should ask a family member or friend to accompany you for the procedure, which usually takes no more than 15 minutes. Time for the pre-operative preparation varies, but in most practices takes approximately 90 minutes. You will also be observed for a short while following surgery to ensure safety and to review any post-operative instructions with you.

Patients are typically not put to sleep during cataract surgery. With topical anesthesia, most practices will administer only minimal relaxing medicine and you will continue to be conscious during the surgery. This means that you will recover more quickly post-operatively while remaining comfortable throughout the entire procedure.

Unlike other surgery, cataract surgery is virtually a bloodless procedure, even more so when using topical anesthesia. Therefore, you may safely undergo this surgery while remaining on blood thinners. In fact, in most cases, patients are asked to take all their medications up to, and including, the day of surgery. However, this should be discussed with your surgeon.

No. Typically your doctor’s staff will demonstrate how you may bend over immediately after surgery, pick up 20-30 pounds, and shower, provided you don't get water into your operative eye. You will be asked to wear an eye shield at bedtime for the first few weeks after surgery so you do not inadvertently rub the eye during sleep.

Follow-up evaluations vary, but are always scheduled within 1 day, and usually scheduled for 1 week, 3 weeks, and 6 weeks, with glasses being prescribed between the 3rd and 6th week visit.

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