A Minor Surgery for Major Vision Improvement

During cataract surgery the eye’s natural lens is replaced with an artificial lens (Intraocular Lens Implant or IOL). The plastic artificial lens used in cataract surgery is permanent, requires no care, and can significantly improve your vision. Newer artificial lens options include those that simulate the natural focusing ability of a young lens, allowing for distance as well as for some near vision.

Usually, cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure that takes less than an hour to complete. In most cases it requires only local anesthesia. If you need to have cataract surgery in both eyes, your procedure will be scheduled as two separate surgeries allowing time for the first eye to heal before the second eye surgery takes place. The doctors at Eye Care on 5th are available to answer any and all questions about your cataract surgery at (917) 639-3459.

How Cataract Surgery is Performed

Currently there are two approaches to cataract surgery. Your devoted and expert eye doctors at Eye Care on 5th will work attentively with you to determine which cataract surgery is best for you.

Phacoemulsification or Small Incision Cataract Surgery

Using local anesthesia for your absolute comfort, phacoemulsification or small incision cataract surgery by the doctors from Eye Care on 5th involves first making an incision in the side of the cornea, which is the clear outer covering of the eye. Then, a tiny probe is inserted into the affected eye and emits ultrasound waves. These ultrasound waves soften and disperse the lens into little pieces, which are removed by suction. During phacoemulsification, your eye doctor removes the cataract but leaves most of the thin outer membrane of the lens (lens capsule) in place. Since the incision made is extremely small, sutures are generally not needed to close the opening.

Extracapsular Cataract Surgery

This approach may be used if your Eye Care on 5th ophthalmologist determines that your cataract has advanced to the point where phacoemulsification will not bring you the best results. Extracapsular surgery requires a somewhat larger incision in the cornea, allowing the lens core to be removed as one piece. Your surgeon then opens the lens capsule through the incision and removes the central portion of the lens, leaving the capsule in place.

Your eye doctor then replaces the cataract-affected lens with a clear plastic lens called an intraocular lens (IOL). The IOL is placed in the remaining lens capsule. The artificial lens has the appropriate lens power to focus light onto back of the eye and improve vision.

Low Risks and Greater Than Expected Benefits of Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery, needed by nearly half of Americans by the time they are 80 years old, is considered one of the safest surgeries available. Very rarely, problems can arise with this simple and effective procedure.

Complications can include:

• Bleeding inside the eye
• Swelling of the cornea
• Inflammation/infection of the eye
• Accumulation of fluid in the retina
• Detachment of the retina
• Increased pressure inside the eye
• Drooping eyelid
• Dislocation of the implanted lens

Cataract Surgery – Recovery and Aftercare

Because cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure, you can be driven home immediately afterward. It is advisable to limit activities and plan for some day-to-day help during your recovery period. Walking, climbing stairs, and doing light household chores are acceptable post-surgical activities. It is not advisable to bend from the waist to pick up objects on the floor, or to lift any heavy objects.

Post-surgical symptoms are temporary and may include mild itching and/or discomfort, as well as minor fluid discharge and photosensitivity. Complete recovery from cataract surgery is typical after approximately eight weeks.

For more information, and a thorough assessment of your cataract treatment recommendations, call us at (917) 639-3459.