Cataract Surgery
What are cataracts?
In our eyes, we have a natural lens that helps bend light and focus it on the back of the eye (retina) where our brain can interpret what we’re seeing. When proteins in that lens break down, the lens becomes cloudy and our vision becomes hazy. This cloudy lens is known as a cataract.
What causes cataracts?
Aging is the most common cause of cataracts. Normal proteins in the lens start to break down around age 40 and most people over 60 have some clouding of their lenses.
Other causes of cataracts include: genetics, diabetes, trauma, excessive UV exposure, steroid-containing medications.
How is the diagnosis made?
A trained ophthalmologist can make the diagnosis on a comprehensive exam of the eye, which includes using special eye drops that widen the pupils (dilation).
Once I have a cataract, how is it treated?
Cataracts can only be removed by surgery. The ophthalmologist can guide you to find the best time to have the cataracts surgically removed. If the cataracts are mild, symptoms can often be managed with activity modification or a new eyeglasses prescription.
What does cataract surgery involve?
During surgery, the ophthalmologist will remove the natural cloudy lens and replace it with a clear, artificial intraocular lens (IOL). Patients remain awake during the procedure and the eye is made numb with special drops. Using a specialized operating microscope, the surgeon makes tiny incisions near the edge of the cornea and introduces very small instruments to help break up the cloudy natural lens. Once broken up, the lens is removed and the new IOL is placed inside the eye. The small incisions do not require stitches, they heal on their own. Watch this helpful video.
How long does cataract surgery take? What should I expect after cataract surgery?
Usually, cataract surgery can be performed in under an hour, sometimes as little as 20 minutes!
Generally, cataract surgery recovery takes a few days. Some patients will need a couple weeks to fully recover.
The surgeon will want you to come to the clinic the day after your operation. They will provide an individualized recovery plan tailored to your specific situation.