Information for Cataract Surgery

As you surpass the 50 year milestone, you might begin to hear that you’re in need of cataract surgery. The older you get, the greater your risks.

While no one ever wants to hear that they are in need of a surgery, this is one that, in capable hands, can return the gift of clearer vision to most patients who need it.

What are Cataracts?

The better you understand cataracts, the better prepared you will be for the surgery and the necessity of it. Cataracts are a clouding of the lens inside the eye. They cannot be corrected by wearing glasses, contact lenses, or even engaging in corneal shaping. If left untreated, vision will be permanently impaired. When treated with surgery, success rates for restoring vision are quite high.

What Happens During Cataract Surgery?

The Ashburn optometrist at Optics&EYECARE wants you to feel completely at ease prior to and during your service. Understanding what happens during the cataract surgery will help you feel calmer about your surgery, your risks, and the likely outcome of your surgical experience.

Before the surgery begins, the eye will be prepared with a combination of topical anesthetic and betadine. Once prepared a tiny incision, only two point five to three millimeters long, is established.

The cataract surgery continues by opening the lens capsule so that the lens material can be removed with the ultrasonic device, which pulverizes the foreign materials while simultaneously vacuuming them from the eye.

The surgery is typically conducted by using a small incision phacoemulsification technique. This allows the surgeon to make the smallest of incisions through which an ultrasonic needle is used to remove the lens material that’s clouding your vision.

One thing that surprises many people, because of the sheer volume of procedures conducted with lasers today, is that this surgery is not today, nor ever has been, conducted with the assistance of lasers. The heat involved in laser procedures is simply too hot for this delicate process.

After Cataract Surgery

One of the best things about cataract surgery is the relatively quick recovery period. Most people experience better vision during the first 24 hours following the surgery. You’ll be given three different eye medications in the form of eye drops that need to be administered several times each day following the surgery.

During this time you should also avoid lifting heavy objects, engaging in heavy exercises, and rubbing your eyes during the weeks following the surgery.

Some people will need traditional corrective lenses or reading glasses following the surgery. The examination and prescription is generally postponed until at least one week after the surgery when full vision recovery should be achieved. If surgery is needed on both eyes, prescription changes should be avoided until after full recovery from the second surgery.

Don’t miss out on the beauty around you by leaving cloudy vision unchecked. Call Optics&EYECARE at (703) 687-4719 today to schedule an appointment to determine if cataract surgery may be in your future.