Cataract Surgery - Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a cataract and what is the lens?
2. Who is at risk for cataracts?
3. What are the symptoms of a cataract?
4. How is a cataract detected?
5. How do I schedule a consultation?
6. How is a cataract treated?
7. Is cataract surgery effective?
8. What are the risks of cataract surgery?
9. What happens before surgery?
10. What happens during surgery?
11. What happens after surgery?

What is a cataract and what is the lens?

A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye that affects vision. Most cataracts are related to aging. Cataracts are very common after middle age. By age 80, more than half of all Americans have either a cataract or have had cataract surgery. A cataract can occur in either or both eyes. The lens is a clear part of the eye that helps to focus light, or an image, on the retina. The retina is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. (See diagram.)

In a normal eye, light passes through the transparent lens to the retina. Once it reaches the retina, light is changed into nerve signals that are sent to the brain.
The lens must be clear for the retina to receive a sharp image. If the lens is cloudy from a cataract, the image you see will be blurred.

 

Who is at risk for cataracts?

The risk of cataract increases as you get older. Other risk factors
for cataract include:

• Certain diseases (for example, diabetes)
• Medications: steroids
• The environment (prolonged exposure to ultraviolet sunlight)
• Trauma

 

What are the symptoms of a cataract?

The most common symptoms of a cataract are: 

• Cloudy or blurry vision. 
• Colors seem faded
• Glare. Headlights, lamps, or sunlight may appear too bright.  A halo may appear around lights.
• Poor night vision.
• Double vision or multiple images in one eye.
• Frequent prescription changes in your eyeglasses or contact  lenses.

These symptoms also can be a sign of other eye problems. If you  have any of these symptoms, check with your eye care  professional.

 

How is a cataract detected?

Cataract is detected through a comprehensive eye exam that includes:

• Visual acuity test. This eye chart test measures how well you see at various distances.
• Dilated eye exam. Drops are placed in your eyes to widen, or dilate, the pupils.Your eye care professional uses a special magnifying lens to examine your retina and optic nerve for signs of damage and other eye problems. After the exam, your close-up vision may remain blurred for several hours.
• Tonometry. An instrument measures the pressure inside the eye. Numbing drops may be applied to your eye for this test. Your eye care professional also may do other tests to learn more about the structure and health of your eye.
• A glare test may be performed.

How do I schedule a consultation?

Call our center at (404) 442-9577 or complete the form on the Cataract/Premium IOL Consultation Page to schedule a consultation. We will conduct a through examination to determine whether your eyes are healthy and suitable for the procedure. You can have Cataract Surgery as soon as you’re ready and eligible for it.

 

How is a cataract treated? Is it effective?

The symptoms of early cataract may be improved with new eyeglasses, brighter lighting, anti-glare sunglasses, or magnifying lenses. If these measures do not help, surgery is the only effective treatment. Surgery involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial lens. A cataract needs to be removed when vision loss interferes with your everyday activities, such as driving, reading, or watching TV. You and your eye care professional can make this decision together. Once you understand the benefits and risks of surgery, you can make an informed decision about whether cataract surgery is right for you. In most cases, delaying cataract surgery will not cause long-term damage to your eye or make the surgery more difficult.You do not have to rush into surgery.

Sometimes a cataract should be removed even if it does not cause problems with your vision. For example, a cataract should be removed if it prevents examination or treatment of another eye problem, such as age-related macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy.

Is cataract surgery effective?

Cataract removal is one of the most common operations performed in the United States. It also is one of the safest and most effective types of surgery. In about 90 percent of cases, people who have cataract surgery have improved vision.

What are the risks of cataract surgery?

As with any surgery, cataract surgery poses risks, such as infection and bleeding - both are very rare. Before cataract surgery, you may need to temporarily stop taking certain medications that increase the risk of bleeding during surgery. After surgery, you must keep your eye clean, wash your hands before touching your eye, and use the prescribed medications to help minimize the risk of infection. Serious infection can result in loss of vision. Cataract surgery slightly increases your risk of retinal detachment. Other eye disorders, such as high myopia (nearsightedness), can further increase your risk of retinal detachment after cataract surgery. Patients taking Flomax should inform their surgeon before cataract surgery, because it has an effect on pupil size.

What happens before surgery?

A week or two before surgery, we will perform some tests on your eyes. These tests may include measuring the curve of the cornea and the size and shape of your eye. This information helps us choose the right type of implant. There are options for different types of implants available. See Premium Lenses. You may be asked not eat or drink anything 12 hours before your surgery.

What happens during surgery?

At our center, drops will be instilled into your eye to dilate the pupil. The area around your eye will be washed and cleansed.

The operation usually lasts 15 - 20 minutes and is almost painless. Many choose to stay awake during surgery. Others may need to be sedated for a short time. If you are awake, you will have an anesthetic to numb the nerves in and around your eye.

After the surgery, a patch may be placed over your eye. You will be monitored for 15 to 30 minutes after surgery and then discharged.

What happens after surgery?

The eye may be blurred and watery after surgery. There may also be light sensitivity. If you have discomfort, we can suggest treatment. After one or two days, moderate discomfort should disappear.

For a few days after surgery, you will need to use eyedrops to help healing and decrease the risk of infection. You will receive detailed instructions on how to use your eyedrops. You will need to wear an eye shield or eyeglasses to help protect your eye. Avoid rubbing or pressing on your eye. When you are home, try not to bend from the waist to pick up objects on the floor. Do not lift any heavy objects.You can walk, climb stairs, and do light household chores. In most cases, healing will be complete within eight weeks. We will schedule a follow-up exam to check on your progress.