Why is cataract surgery done?
Surgery is recommended when your decreased eyesight causes daily frustration and is no longer working for you. Our goal is to restore your vision so you can see and do the things you enjoy.
How do I know if cataract surgery can help me?
If your vision is impaired by cataracts, but your eyes are healthy, removing the cloudy lenses will likely restore good vision. However, if you have retinal problems or other eye conditions, removing the cataracts may only improve your vision, not restore it. Examination and testing done before surgery will give our doctors a good indication of what your vision may be like after treatment.
Can I have surgery if I have diabetes or glaucoma?
Yes. If diabetes is adequately controlled, surgery is generally not a problem. Sometimes, the surgeon can perform an extra procedure at the same time as cataract surgery to help control the glaucoma.
Are cataracts removed with a laser?
No. A high-precision ultrasound probe—often confused with being a laser—is the instrument used by our surgeons. This medical device relies on very high frequency vibrations to break up the cataracts.
Can surgery be done on both eyes at the same time?
If you require surgery in both eyes, treatment will be scheduled at different times so you can see to get around since your eye may be closed for a few hours after surgery.
Cataract surgery is considered one of the safest surgeries today. A highly experienced cataract surgeon can successfully improve vision in over 99% of cases.
Can I get AIDS from the surgery?
No. There are no body fluids exchanged during this operation so AIDS is not a risk.
Is cataract surgery always successful?
No surgery can be guaranteed, but cataract surgery is considered one of the safest and most successful surgeries. With our gifted surgeons, the few complications that do occur are usually cared for without any permanent effects. However, this is a major surgical procedure, and there is always the slight chance that a complication could result in loss of vision.
What if I decide to live with my cataracts?
Many people live with cataracts for years, unaware that their vision is slowly dimming. If for some reason you choose to put up with this decreased vision for a while, the following advice may be helpful:
- Limit night time activities
- Use brighter light bulbs
- Use night lights
- Limit driving to daylight hours
- Use stronger eyeglasses
- Read large print books
- Stay close to familiar surroundings
- Wear sunglasses outdoors to minimize glare
- Get help with medications to avoid mistakes
- Use a phone with over-sized number keys
- Use handrails, canes or other aids to prevent falls
