Cataract surgery has helped millions of people regain clear vision from cataracts. However, anxiety about the idea of eye surgery can cause understandable, but unnecessary, hesitation in scheduling the procedure.
Luckily, cataract surgery is quick, minimally invasive, and one of the most commonly performed procedures in the world. Keep reading to learn more about what happens during cataract surgery and how the procedure can help restore your vision.
What are Cataracts?
Cataracts are a clouding of the natural lens of the eye. As the proteins that make up the natural lens deteriorate over time, they form cloudy or discolored clumps or clusters.
This blocks light from reaching the retina and can cause symptoms like:
- Blurry vision
- Faded or yellowed vision
- Difficulty seeing in low light
- Frequent prescription changes
- Sensitivity to glare
- Seeing halos around lights
There is no treatment that can prevent or slow the progression of cataracts. While glasses and contacts can help improve your eyesight in the early stages, they are only a temporary solution. Oftentimes, the frequent need to change or update your glasses or contacts is an indication of the progression of your cataracts.
Once your cataracts begin to affect your ability to comfortably complete everyday activities like driving, socializing, or working, the only way to reverse these changes to your vision is with cataract surgery.
What is Cataract Surgery?
Cataract surgery is a procedure that replaces the clouded natural lens of the eye with a clear intraocular lens (IOL). The IOL also works as a prescription lens to correct vision issues like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism.
If you select an Advanced Technology Intraocular Lens (AT-IOL), you may be able to reduce or eliminate the need for contacts or glasses altogether after cataract surgery. It is an outpatient procedure, meaning you can go home right after the surgery.
You will be awake during the procedure, but you will receive medication to keep you relaxed and comfortable. We will also apply numbing drops to your eyes to prevent any discomfort.
Once your eyes are prepared, your cataract surgeon will make a tiny incision to access the natural lens of the eye. They will use an ultrasound tool to gently break up the lens and remove all the little pieces.
Then, they will insert your new IOL into the capsule where the natural lens sat and adjust it to the correct position. The incision will heal without the need for stitches or bandages, with the entire process taking only around 10-15 minutes.
It is not unusual for patients to be anxious prior to their cataract surgery on the first eye. Once they realize how easy the procedure really is, they look forward to having their second eye done soon thereafter. This is often only a week or two following the first eye.
How Long is Cataract Surgery Recovery?
After cataract surgery, you will need to arrange for a friend or loved one to drive you home. You will need to wear an eye shield overnight. This prevents you from rubbing your eyes in your sleep. You may feel some soreness, but you can manage the pain with over-the-counter painkillers like Tylenol or Advil.
Your cataract surgeon will give you prescription eye drops to help with inflammation and prevent infection. You should apply these exactly as directed.
At your follow-up appointments, your cataract surgeon will let you know when it’s safe to return to activities like driving and working. While most patients notice visual improvements fairly quickly, the healing process is different for everyone, and it’s best to consult with your cataract surgeon before jumping back into your regular routine.
Your vision will continue to improve over the next several weeks as your eye heals. If you need cataract surgery in both eyes, your eye doctor will schedule two separate procedures.
What Will My Vision Be Like After Cataract Surgery?
The visual outcome of your cataract surgery largely depends on the health of your eye and the IOL you choose to replace your natural lens. At your consultation before the procedure, your eye doctor will help you choose the best lens for you based on your visual needs, lifestyle, and budget.
Whitson Vision offers a wide range of IOLs, including:
Basic IOL
Basic monofocal IOLs are the first type of lenses that became available for cataract patients, beginning in the 1970’s. They can correct vision at only one distance. Most patients choose to have their distance vision corrected but it is still common to need glasses to correct astigmatism and a necessity for near vision tasks like reading.
It is the only IOL covered by insurance and Medicare, making it a reasonable option for patients on a budget.
Toric IOL
Toric IOLs correct astigmatism and are available for both monofocal and multifocal correction.
Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) IOL
Extended depth of focus (EDOF) IOLs have an elongated focal point. This provides sharp correction for both distance and intermediate vision.
With an EDOF IOL, you might not need glasses for driving or using a laptop, though you may need reading glasses for close vision.
Multifocal IOL
Multifocal IOLs correct vision at multiple distances. They work like bifocal or trifocal glasses that provide different degrees of correction in a single lens.
Multifocal IOLs allow you to watch television, drive, read, or do other close-up tasks without glasses.
Light Adjustable Lens
Light Adjustable Lenses are Advanced Technology IOLs that can be adjusted a few weeks following your cataract surgery to reach your desired prescription. They are made of a light-sensitive material that allows the lens to be customized with a specialized ultraviolet light delivery device in the office.
The UV light application is painless and only takes a few minutes. You may need several sessions to get the results you want, followed by two “lock-in” treatments to finalize your new vision.
Are you ready to explore cataract surgery and regain sharp, clear vision? Schedule an appointment at Whitson Vision in Indianapolis, IN, today!