What to Expect During Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is an amazingly quick outpatient procedure. The entire surgical process takes 25-35 minutes to perform.
Before Your Procedure
When you decide to move forward with the procedure, it’s normal to feel a little nervous. Our team understands this and will do everything we can to make you as comfortable and relaxed as possible. The main goal is that you feel 100% confident in our surgical abilities.
What to Expect: From Cataract Diagnosis to Cataract Surgery
Cataract Surgery Day
Preparing Your Eye
Dilation eye drops will be placed into your eye and local anesthetics will be given. You will remain awake during the procedure.
Creating the Incision
Your doctor will use a hand-held blade to create a small corneal incision.
Removing the Cloudy Lens
A tiny probe will be inserted to gently break up the cloudy lens using ultrasound waves. This same tool is used to remove the lens fragments from the eye. This is called phacoemulsification.
Placing the IOL
Through the same incision, your doctor will insert your pre-chosen replacement intraocular lens (IOL). Depending on the type of vision goals you have after surgery, you may choose a monofocal, multifocal, trifocal, or toric lens. Each lens will provide a different level of vision – possibly even reducing or eliminating the need for glasses after surgery.
Natural Healing
The incision may be closed with stitches or it may simply heal on its own. The replacement lens you choose will be permanent and will feel natural in your eye.
After Cataract Surgery at Idaho Eye and Laser Center
Immediately After Surgery
After surgery your doctor will visit with you again. Once the anesthesia has worn off you will be taken to our post-operative waiting room for a light snack and a member of our surgical team will review post-operative instructions with you.
Recovery at Home
You will need someone to drive you home after surgery so you can rest for the remainder of the day. Wear an eye shield while sleeping as your eye heals to avoid hitting or rubbing your eye.
Your vision may be a bit blurry at first and your eye may be itchy or irritated – this is normal. The prescription eye drops will help minimize discomfort. If you experience any pain or worrisome symptoms, contact our office immediately.
One Eye at a Time
Only one eye is treated at a time. If you have cataracts in both eyes, your second eye can be treated after the first has healed (usually 1 week later).
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Not all cataracts must be removed right away. The best way to know if your cataracts are developed enough to warrant surgery is by scheduling a free Cataract Screening with us. Our informative exam will evaluate your eye health and help you learn more about your options for vision improvement.