Restoring Your Vision

Cataract surgery is a common and highly successful procedure to remove a cloudy lens in your eye (cataract) and replace it with a clear artificial lens (intraocular lens, IOL). It’s the leading treatment for cataracts, which are the main cause of vision loss in older adults.

Here’s some key information about cataract surgery:

What is it?

• A safe and effective outpatient procedure, typically performed under local anesthesia.
• Takes about 30-45 minutes per eye.
• Involves making a small incision in the eye, removing the cloudy lens, and implanting a new IOL.
• Most people go home the same day.

Who needs it?

• Recommended when cataracts start affecting your daily activities like driving, reading, or recognizing faces.
• Your ophthalmologist will assess your individual needs and determine if surgery is right for you.

Benefits:

• Significant improvement in vision, often within days or weeks.
• Reduced glare and halos around lights.
• Improved ability to enjoy daily activities.
• Potential for better correction of nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism with specific IOL types.

Types of IOLs:

• Monofocal: Focuses on either near or distance vision.
• Multifocal: Provides good vision at multiple distances.
• Toric: Corrects astigmatism along with nearsightedness or farsightedness.

Recovery:

• Usually takes 2-6 weeks for complete healing.
• Requires using eye drops and wearing an eye shield for protection.
• Avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting.
• Regular follow-up appointments with your ophthalmologist are crucial.

Risks and complications:

• As with any surgery, there are potential risks, though rare.
• These include infection, bleeding, and swelling.
• Your ophthalmologist will discuss these risks in detail before surgery.

Cost:

• Varies depending on factors like the type of IOL used and your insurance coverage.
• Talk to your doctor and insurance provider about costs beforehand.