If you have been diagnosed with cataracts and your ophthalmologist has advised you to schedule cataract surgery, you are in good company. Every year, in the US alone, millions of patients undergo cataract surgery to restore their vision.
As with any medical procedure, you are likely to feel more confident going into cataract surgery if you feel well-informed about all aspects of the procedure. Keep reading to learn more about cataracts and a list of ten important questions to ask before cataract surgery.
What is Cataract Surgery?
Cataracts occur when proteins from the lens of the eye clump together inside the typically clear natural lens over time. As these clumps accumulate, they cause the lens to become cloudy and to harden, preventing light from reaching the retina and impairing the eye’s ability to focus.
The only effective treatment for cataracts is surgery. During cataract surgery, the cloudy natural lens of the eye is removed and replaced with an clear artificial intraocular lens.
Today’s cataract surgery utilizes advanced laser technology to enhance accuracy, reduce risks, and deliver optimal outcomes. Modern cataract surgery is minimally invasive and is usually an outpatient procedure, meaning you get to go home the same day.
Questions to Ask before Cataract Surgery
Unsure of what you should know before your cataract surgery? Here is a list of ten important questions you may want to ask your eye surgeon:
1. What Type of Intraocular Lens is Best For My Lifestyle?
The best intraocular lens, or IOL, for your lifestyle depends on your vision needs and goals. While a standard monofocal lens can improve vision at a single distance, premium lenses, such as multi-focal and extended depth-of-focus IOLs, can help you achieve sharper vision at multiple distances.
Your eye doctor will consider your budget, lifestyle, and vision goals when recommending the best lens choice for you.
2. How Experienced Are You With My Specific Lens Choice?
It’s critical to know how familiar your eye surgeon is with the specific IOL you are considering for your cataract surgery. A knowledgeable surgeon can explain the benefits and limitations of your IOL choice based on their real-world clinical expertise.
3. How Do I Prepare for Cataract Surgery?
The best way to prepare for cataract surgery is by anticipating what you are going to need on the day of your surgery and during your recovery. You should arrange for transportation home after surgery, pre-fill any medications prescribed by your eye surgeon, and stock up on food and other essentials so that you can prioritize rest as your eyes heal.
4. Should I Have Both Eyes Done at The Same Time?
Cataract surgery is typically performed on one eye at a time, with a recovery period of one to three weeks between procedures. This delay gives the first eye time to heal and for vision in the treated eye to stabilize.
5. Are There Risks Associated With My Pre-Existing Eye Condition?
Some pre-existing eye conditions can increase the risk of complications or affect the outcome of cataract surgery. Certain conditions, such as glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, can slow recovery or limit how much your vision improves after surgery.
Your eye doctor will discuss any specific risks for you during your cataract evaluation. In general, cataract surgery is a very safe and effective procedure.
6. How Long Will Recovery Take?
While individual recovery times can vary, it typically takes 6-8 weeks to fully heal after both eyes have been treated. While you may experience blurry vision and mild discomfort in the first few days following surgery, most patients experience a noticeable improvement in their vision by the end of the first week.
7. What Activities Should I Avoid During Recovery?
During recovery, you should avoid activities that could cause eye strain or expose your eyes to harmful bacteria. These activities include rubbing your eyes, heavy lifting, swimming, and high-impact exercise.
8. What is the Complication Rate for Cataract Surgery?
Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most commonly performed surgeries worldwide. It has a low complication rate, and serious complications, such as infection or retinal detachment, are extremely rare.
9. Will I Still Need Glasses After Surgery?
Whether you still need glasses after cataract surgery largely depends on your choice of IOL. While premium lenses increase the possibility of glasses-free vision after surgery, patients who opt for a standard monofocal lens usually still require glasses for near vision.
10. Can Cataracts Come Back?
Once the natural lens of the eye has been removed during cataract surgery and replaced with an artificial IOL, cataracts are prevented from ever returning. IOLs are made from synthetic materials, such as acrylic or silicone, that resist the clumps of proteins that cause cataracts.
However, some people experience posterior capsule opacification (PCO), sometimes called secondary cataracts, which is when scar tissue builds up on the back of the lens. When this happens, it can cause many similar symptoms to cataracts.
However, PCO can be easily treated with a quick laser procedure to restore your vision.
With surgery, you don’t have to let the symptoms of cataracts compromise the quality and clarity of your vision. While it is an extremely safe procedure with high rates of success, knowing the answers to the questions above can give you peace of mind ahead of your cataract surgery.
Is it time for you to have a cataract evaluation and get your questions answered? Schedule an appointment at RGB Cataract & LASIK in Sherman, TX, today!
