Cataract Surgery FAQs

Signs and symptoms of cataracts may include blurry vision, sensitivity to light, glare/halos or double vision. Only a dilated eye examination can confirm that no other issues maybe present that may have similar symptomatology such as uncontrolled glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, or advanced macular degeneration.

Refractive surgery, such as LASIK, PRK or RK does not preclude someone from having cataract surgery. With that said Patients who have had refractive surgery are more likely to have inaccurate refractive surprises and outcomes. As such we utilize the most advanced ocular testing modalities including noncontact optical biometry, IOL Master 700, Pentacam Tomography, iTrace Topography and ORA to help minimize outcome surprises.

Your dependence on eye glasses depends on which intraocular lens implant and cataract removal methodology you have elected. There are certain lens implants available that are designated to help reduce your dependence on glasses or contact lenses, although not alleviate them altogether. During your cataract consultation our doctors can advise you which options may make sense for you.

CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) has designated that basic cataract removal and insertion of lens implant be covered by your insurance. But any advanced technology as such laser cataract surgery or advanced intraocular lens implants will require an additional cost that is not covered.

Most patients require only a few days to resume normal activities. For several days after surgery you should avoid any heavy lifting or straining, which can increase pressure in the eye. Rubbing or pushing of the eye should also to be avoided. Careful showering and shampooing is permitted, as long as no soap or shampoo touches the eye. Any makeup around the eye should be avoided for several days. Public swimming pools, hot tubs, and other potential sources of bacterial contamination should also be avoided for 1 week.

Our doctors check your eyes the day after surgery, 1 week and 3 weeks after surgery for each eye. Unless other issues exist, yearly eye examination is recommended.

The cost for cataract surgery will vary based on your insurance coverage, your insurance deductibles or co-pays, and the type of surgery and/or implant lens you have chosen.

There are many types of cataracts. Cataracts due to aging generally progress slowly. Cataracts associated with Diabetes Mellitus and history of steroid usage (if asthmatic, history of COPD, or joint/back pain for example) these types of cataracts can progress rapidly, over a few months. Over all it is not possible to predict precisely how rapidly your cataracts will progress.

Modern medicine is not yet able to reverse the development of cataracts or prevent them from forming. Once cataracts are present, the only way to regain clear vision is to undergo cataract surgery. Recent studies have shown high amounts of antioxidants and vitamin C may delay cataract progression in some patients.

Not to worry we can manage during surgery irrespective with how and if you move your eyes.

Your old glasses may not be the correct prescription after cataract surgery. Two to four weeks after the procedure, our doctors will change your glasses to match the needs of your new vision. So what do you do in the meantime? If your old glasses are close to your new prescription then some just wearing them until the new glasses are made will suffice. Some patients after cataract surgery may not need glasses for distance and can go without glasses. Others may need to have the eyeglass lens removed for the eye recently performed until the new eyeglass prescription is given.

You should not drive the day of your cataract surgery due to the effect of the anesthetics used during your cataract surgery. It is recommended that you wait 24 hour after surgery to drive.

It is indeed fine to fly after cataract surgery. We generally suggest seeing us at your one day post-operative appointment to make sure everything is healing nicely before flying. If you are getting retina surgery at the time as your cataract surgery immediate flying may not be recommended. In retina surgery air or gas maybe injected into the eye that can expand at higher altitudes. Determination on whether you can fly and when you can fly will be reviewed on your one day follow-up appointment.

It is not abnormal to see eye floaters after cataract surgery. Initially this is likely related to the normal inflammatory healing process that takes place after cataract surgery. These floaters are different than traditional floaters that reside in the back of the eye. Nonetheless cataract surgery in some patients accelerate this process of floater development, posterior vitreous detachment.

Like any surgery, cataract surgery carries risks of complications. It is important to note that the risk of complications is low.

This list is representative of potential cataract surgery complications, but not exhaustive. Multiple studies have shown the more experienced a cataract surgeon is the less risk of complications. We are proud that our doctors are some of the busiest cataract surgeons in the state with a very low rate of complications.

Once the cataract is removed it can never grow back. In 30% of patients posterior capsular opacification or secondary cataract can develop. This term is a misnomer and what happens is some of the microscopic cells that are left behind after cataract surgery proliferate to cause a film to develop behind the lens implant placed. This may happen weeks after cataract surgery, months or years after. A 30 second procedure covered by your insurace, called a posterior YAG capsulotomy is performed in the office clears it up.