Cataract surgery is an operation to remove your eye’s lens when it is cloudy.

The purpose of your lens is to bend (refract) light rays that come into the eye to help you see. Your natural lens should be clear, but when you have a cataract it becomes cloudy. Having a cataract can be like looking through a foggy or dusty car windshield. Things may appear blurry, hazy, or less colorful.

The only way to remove a cataract is with surgery. Your ophthalmologist will recommend cataract surgery when it begins to interfere with activities you want or need to do.

During cataract surgery, your cloudy natural lens is removed and replaced with a clear artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL). Your ophthalmologist will discuss the available IOL options and help determine which one is right for you.

What to Expect with Cataract Surgery

Before Surgery

Before surgery, your surgeon will measure your eye to determine the proper focusing power for your intraocular lens (IOL). You will also be asked about any medications you take, and you may be instructed to stop taking certain medicines before surgery.

Your doctor may prescribe eye drops to begin using before surgery. These medications help prevent infection and reduce swelling during and after the procedure.

The Day of Surgery

Your ophthalmologist may ask you not to eat any solid food for at least six hours before surgery.

Cataract surgery is usually performed in an outpatient surgery center or hospital.

During the procedure:

• Your eye will be numbed with eye drops or an injection around the eye.
• You may also receive medication to help you relax.
• You will remain awake during surgery.
• You may notice light and movement during the procedure, but you will not see what the surgeon is doing.

Using a special operating microscope, the surgeon makes tiny incisions near the edge of your cornea. Through these small openings, very fine instruments are inserted to remove the cataract.

The most common technique is phacoemulsification, in which an ultrasound instrument breaks the cloudy lens into tiny pieces and gently removes them through suction.

Once the cataract has been removed, the new intraocular lens (IOL) is placed into position.

In most cases, the incisions are self-sealing and do not require stitches. A protective eye shield may be placed over your eye while it heals.

After surgery, you will rest in a recovery area for approximately 15 to 30 minutes before returning home.

How Long Does It Take to Recover From Cataract Surgery?

During the days and weeks following surgery:

• You may need to use prescribed eye drops.
• Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully when using these medications.
• Avoid getting soap or water directly into the operated eye.
• Do not rub or press on your eye.
• Your ophthalmologist may ask you to wear eyeglasses or a protective shield.
• You may need to wear an eye shield while sleeping.
• Your ophthalmologist will advise you when it is safe to resume exercise, driving, and other daily activities.

What Are the Risks of Cataract Surgery?

Like any surgical procedure, cataract surgery carries certain risks and possible complications, including:

• Eye infection
• Bleeding inside the eye
• Ongoing swelling of the front or inside of the eye
• Swelling of the retina (the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye)
• Retinal detachment
• Damage to other parts of the eye
• Pain that does not improve with over-the-counter medication
• Blurred vision
• Seeing halos, glare, or dark shadows
• Vision loss
• Dislocation of the intraocular lens (IOL)

Cataract surgery will not restore vision loss caused by other eye diseases such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, or diabetic retinopathy.

Your ophthalmologist will discuss the risks and benefits of cataract surgery before the procedure.

Posterior Capsular Opacification

Your vision may become cloudy or blurry weeks, months, or even years after cataract surgery. This condition is called posterior capsular opacification (PCO).

PCO is sometimes referred to as a “secondary cataract” or “scar tissue,” although it is not actually another cataract. It occurs when the thin membrane behind the implanted lens, called the posterior capsule, becomes cloudy.

The posterior capsule is a transparent membrane that holds your intraocular lens in place. Before cataract surgery, it also supported your natural lens.

If your vision becomes cloudy again, your ophthalmologist may recommend a laser procedure called a YAG laser capsulotomy. During this procedure, a laser creates an opening in the cloudy capsule, restoring clear vision.

Cataract Surgery Costs

Cataract surgery is generally covered by Medicare for eligible patients. Most private insurance plans also provide coverage.

Medicare covers cataract surgery when your vision meets certain medical criteria. Private insurance plans often have similar requirements.

Even with insurance, you may still have out-of-pocket expenses. Premium intraocular lenses (IOLs) and elective upgrades usually increase the total cost. Choosing to undergo cataract surgery before your vision has declined enough to meet insurance requirements may also result in additional costs.

In some situations, coverage may be available before standard age or vision requirements are met. Your ophthalmologist can discuss your eligibility.

If you do not have Medicare or private insurance, you may still be able to reduce the cost through payment plans or financing options offered by your surgeon’s office.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cataract Surgery

What happens during cataract surgery, and what should I expect afterward?

Cataract surgery is typically an outpatient procedure in which the cloudy natural lens is removed and replaced with a clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL). Most patients notice improved vision within a few days, although complete healing usually takes about 4 to 6 weeks. Your ophthalmologist will prescribe eye drops to prevent infection and reduce inflammation, and you should avoid strenuous activities and rubbing your eye during recovery.

What types of intraocular lenses (IOLs) are available, and how do they differ?

Several types of intraocular lenses are available.

• Monofocal IOLs provide clear vision at one distance, usually for distance vision.
• Toric IOLs correct astigmatism.
• Multifocal IOLs provide vision at near, intermediate, and far distances, reducing dependence on glasses.
• Accommodating IOLs are designed to provide a broader range of vision by moving slightly within the eye.

Your surgeon will recommend the most appropriate option based on your eyes and visual needs.

Can cataracts come back after surgery?

No. Once the natural lens has been removed, the cataract cannot return. However, some people develop posterior capsular opacification (PCO) months or years later. This condition causes symptoms similar to a cataract but is easily treated with a YAG laser capsulotomy.

To discuss cataract surgery or schedule an evaluation, call Eye Care on 5th at (917) 639-3459.