No, not all patients require a health evaluation from their primary care physician before undergoing cataract surgery. To minimize risk and achieve the best results, in general, patients should be in good overall health. We can request your primary care physician, if necessary, clear you for cataract surgery. If you do not have a primary care physician, a member of our team can refer you to a general practitioner.

The initial visit with your surgeon is critical in the planning of a successful cataract procedure. A thorough examination is performed to determine the health of the eye and, in particular, the status of the retina which is the tissue in the eye responsible for the sharpness of vision. For patients with a newly discovered retinal problem or patients with a potential issue such as extreme near-sightedness, a clearance from a retinal specialist may be necessary before cataract surgery.

With the many advances that have been made in the field of cataract surgery, patients who have even reached the 100-year mark can have successful cataract procedures! Depending on the individual patient’s overall health and unique needs, there is generally no age limit for cataract surgery.

Although there is no age limit as to when you should have cataract surgery, it is best not to delay surgery for too long once you become symptomatic. When cataracts are affecting your vision, you may consider scheduling surgery sooner, rather than later. Postponing surgery allows the cataracts to continue to worsen, meaning your vision is further obstructed. Additionally, the cataracts may harden over time, potentially making them more difficult to remove.

General anesthesia is not typically necessary for cataract surgery, so most patients remain conscious for the duration of the procedure. A topical numbing agent is used on the eye to maximize patient comfort. In some cases, our LenSx® Laser can also be used to further increase the efficiency of the cataract removal process, ultimately minimizing the duration of the procedure and increasing safety.

Most patients report only minimal discomfort during cataract surgery, primarily when the topical anesthetic is applied to the eye. After this topical anesthetic takes effect, our New Eyes cataract surgeon will begin the procedure and patients should feel little to no discomfort. Some patients may experience a physical sensation on the eye, which can feel like pressure or “itchiness,” but it is not typically painful. After cataract surgery is complete, some patients may also experience mild to moderate headaches or a scratchy sensation that should resolve within 24 hours. If patients experience severe pain after surgery, they should contact us immediately.

The length of time for cataract surgery can vary slightly, depending on each patient’s case, as well as whether traditional or SMART cataract surgery techniques are used. However, on average, most cataract surgery procedures take approximately 10 to 20 minutes to perform. Following surgery, you will be sent to a recovery area, until the effects of anesthesia have worn off a bit. This usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour.

Traditional cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure that requires a small manual incision on the surface of the cornea with blades to remove the clouded lens and replace it with an intraocular lens. This method of treating cataracts is still considered highly effective and is widely used. Patients who choose to undergo cataract surgery using the latest laser technology may benefit from a number of unique advantages. First, the LenSx® Femtosecond Laser allows our surgeons (Dr. Pizio, Dr. Stafeeva, Dr. Fajardo, or Dr. Schorr) to make bladeless incisions, enhancing the precision and safety of the procedure. Then, the ORA™ System with VerifEye+™ Technology is used to digitally scan and assess the eye. This data allows our cataract surgeon to make the most accurate and precise calculations possible when choosing the appropriate power of vision correction of the intraocular lens implant. When both of these advanced lasers are used together, the procedure is known as SMART Cataract Surgery, which is currently the most advanced way to correct cataracts back to best vision.

Learn more about the benefits of SMART Cataract Surgery.

Our eye surgeons utilize laser testing in the office called “IOLMaster” to help predict the most effective IOL for your specific needs. For even more precise measurements important especially in SMART Cataract Surgery procedures, our doctors use Optiwave Refractive Analysis (ORA). ORA is an innovative laser measurement system designed to precisely and accurately measure the eye during the procedure to allow our doctor to predict the best IOL power possible. This is especially necessary in patients who have had previous RK or LASIK.

Learn more about SMART Cataract Surgery and ORA technology.

It is rarely an emergency to surgically remove a cataract. Most cataracts progress slowly over the years from sun exposure and simple wear-and-tear on the eye. Glasses and/or contact lenses can be utilized for a long time before surgery is necessary. Annual eye exams from your primary eyecare provider are very important to identify the early development of cataracts. Once a cataract has progressed to the level where it is affecting your normal daily activities despite best correction with glasses, then surgical removal of the cataract is the only way to restore vision.

Yes. Regardless of whether you undergo traditional or SMART cataract surgery, the IV sedation, pupil dilation, and topical anesthesia often leave you feeling slightly sleepy and your vision blurry for some time after the procedure. Our doctors require that you arrange for transportation home after your surgery.

Many patients feel safe to drive again 1-2 days after surgery, but this depends on your individual case. In your follow-up appointment, your surgeon can let you know whether or not it is safe to resume driving.

Although your vision may clear in as little as 1-2 days after cataract surgery, it may take anywhere from one to three months for the eyes to heal completely.

With the advances in technology we are now able to provide refractive cataract surgery. In refractive cataract surgery conditions like presbyopia, astigmatism, myopia and hyperopia can be treated at the time of your cataract surgery. Our practice offers a full range of intraocular lens options that are designed to reduce the need for corrective eyewear after cataract surgery based on patient’s individual prior condition and lifestyle needs. While some patients may still require reading glasses following cataract removal in order to see up close objects clearly, others may be able to see better than they have in years at a range of distances depending on needs and lens choice. Our eye surgeon will evaluate your eyes and determine whether you are a candidate for a specialty type of IOL that can minimize your reliance on eyeglasses after surgery.

Since your eyes will take several weeks to fully heal after cataract surgery, our surgeons typically recommend waiting approximately four weeks after surgery before getting an eye exam for your new glasses. Depending on your case, your surgeon may advise against driving until you receive your new glasses.

Once the cataracts are removed, they rarely (if ever) return. In many cases, however, the lens capsule that surrounds your IOL may become clouded, ultimately affecting your vision. When this occurs, it seems as if the cataract is returning. Thankfully, this condition — referred to as capsular opacification — can be remedied fairly easily through a treatment with a specialized laser.