Cataract Surgery FAQ's

We are all born with a clear lens inside our eyes, and over time that lens becomes cloudy. The cloudy lens is called a “cataract”. The cataract can cause decreased vision, difficulty reading, as well as glare with bright lights. If not removed, a cataract can progress and eventually cause blindness. When a cataract is removed, it is replaced with a clear artificial lens implant. This helps in restoring vision!

What is a Cataract?

When to have Cataract Surgery?

You're the boss. If you are struggling with your vision with or without glasses due to cataracts, then perhaps it's time to have them removed. But if you're seeing well with or without glasses, then chances are that cataract surgery can wait. If you're not sure and want some guidance, of course we'd be happy to help.

Am I awake during Cataract Surgery?

Sedation is given to help ease anxiety and make you sleepy. The amount of sedation given can be tailored to your needs. Some patients fall asleep from the sedation, while others feel relaxed but don't fall completely asleep.

How long is the recovery?

While many patients can see better within the first 24 hours after cataract surgery, the speed of healing varies from patient to patient. Complete recovery can take a few weeks and up to a couple months.

Does Cataract Surgery hurt?

Can I see what you're doing during Cataract Surgery?

For most patients, Cataract Surgery is painless. The eye is numbed using numbing eye drops and gel.

No. Most patients describe seeing bright light, colors, and shadows during surgery, like a kaleidoscope.

Do I need to wear an eye patch after surgery?

It's important to avoid rubbing your eye after cataract surgery. While patching your eye closed is not necessary, a clear shield that you can see through is provided. This serves as a barrier if you forget and try to rub your eye. We recommend sleeping with this eye shield for the first week after surgery.

How long does cataract surgery take?

Cataract surgery duration depends on multiple factors, such as patient cooperation, density of the cataract, the type of technology utilized, surgeon efficiency, staff efficiency, and the overall complexity of the patient's eye. Routine cataract surgery typically takes about 10-15 minutes to complete. Complicated cataract surgery takes longer. Most centers will ask that you arrive 1-2 hours prior to your surgery for preparation.

Does Cataract Surgery require an overnight stay at the hospital?

Can I drive myself home from surgery?

No. Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure. Patients go home after the surgery has been completed.

We recommend that a family or friend drives you home from surgery. The sedation and surgery will impact your ability to drive that day. Safety first.

Which lens implant is the best?

There isn't a lens implant that is the "Best" for everyone. The main difference between all the lens implants out there is how you will see after surgery when you're not wearing glasses. If you don't mind wearing glasses at all, even the most basic lens implant can provide good vision quality. However if you want to see well without glasses, then there's advanced lens technology available to help you achieve that goal.

Is Cataract Surgery performed with Laser?

Sometimes. While cataract surgery can be performed safely with or without laser, there are certain advantages of using laser. Laser can be help perform key steps of cataract surgery with high precision. Laser can also be used during cataract surgery to help reduce astigmatism.