If you have learned you have a cataract, you may be wondering what to expect. First of all, we all get cataracts if we live long enough, though some people get them earlier than others. A cataract is what we call the natural lens inside the eye when it has become cloudy. The natural lens, which has become a cataract, is behind the iris or colored part of the eye. Because a cataract is not on the front of the eye – the front windshield of the eye is called the cornea – a cataract cannot be wiped off. The only way to remove a cataract is to remove the natural lens from inside the eye.
What are the benefits of cataract surgery?
The benefit of cataract surgery is better vision due to the removal of the cloudy natural lens and replacement with a clear artificial lens. The benefits are particularly pronounced when the surgery is paired with advanced technologies and lenses to get the sharpest vision possible over the greatest visual range. Some patients even get to try out their post-op vision with an adjustable power lens – Dr. Walton has been working with this company for many years, including on clinical trials, and it is fully FDA approved – before locking the vision in non-invasively.
What is it like to have laser cataract surgery?
On the day of surgery, you’ll check in and finalize any consent forms and then have the eye dilated with eye drops. The consent forms will describe risks and benefits of the procedure. Thankfully, the vast majority of modern, laser cataract surgery patients do well, but it is important to note that all surgery has some risk. Thus, there is always risk to the eye or vision with any eye surgery.
Before you go in for surgery, you will have already discussed your intraocular lens (IOL) choice at your cataract evaluation. This is an important part of how Dr. Walton matches your eye anatomy, natural optics, and visual needs with the technology that can help you achieve the most visual clarity and/or range.
Once you’ve signed all consent forms, you’ll likely be given some relaxing medicine. We work with anesthesia teams who specialize in anesthesia for eye surgeries, and they’re excellent at helping achieve an appropriate level of relaxation.
Are patients awake for laser cataract surgery?
Generally, patients are relaxed with both oral and IV medication. Because it is safer to allow you to control your own breathing, general anesthesia is rarely used. Also, your surgeon may want your cooperation at some points of the procedure to look in a certain direction.
Dr. Walton will talk you through every step, and the first steps occur at the laser. For the cataract surgery laser, you will be lying down and comfortable. You’ll get numbing drops to the surface of the eye so that the laser’s soft interface can be gently brought to the eye. In order to safely get the benefit of the laser, a bit of suction is used to hold the laser to the eye. This typically feels like pressure for a short period of time.
Since the laser makes initial incisions in the lens capsule and cuts the cataract into pieces like cake slices, the vision will be blurry between the laser portion and the surgery portion. The laser may also be used to correct some astigmatism, and most people have some amount of astigmatism that we recommend correcting at the time of cataract surgery to get the best vision your eye can achieve. Make sure your surgeon uses all of the 3 common methods of astigmatism correction with cataract surgery so that you’re getting the best recommendation for your eye: (1) laser astigmatism correction, (2) toric lens astigmatism correction, and (3) the light-adjustable lens for the ability to noninvasively fine-tune astigmatism postoperatively.
Does the laser do all the work in laser cataract surgery?
No. The laser is a helpful initial component, but the surgeon still does the important work of removing the cataract pieces, cleaning and polishing the capsule, and placing the new lens, all while being as gentle as possible in a microsurgical environment. After the laser makes the initial, perfectly round incision into the lens capsule and cuts the cataract lens into pieces, you will be brought into the operating room, and that is where the surgery happens. Your eye will be prepped for sterile technique and a protective drape will be placed. Many people do not remember the surgery, but for those who do, they often describe it as a “light show” as your surgeon removes the pieces of cataract and replaces it with a new lens. Most modern lenses are foldable to give the advantage of small incisions that seldom need stitches.
How long does cataract surgery take?
Expect to be at the surgery center for 2-3 hours. Most cataract surgeries take less than 20 minutes, but there can be variability due to the presence of other issues in the eye. Regardless, it’s never worth rushing.
Can I shower after cataract surgery?
When you go home after the surgery day, we recommend not showering the night of surgery. Surgeons have their own preferences for timing of showering or bathing. Dr. Walton generally recommends waiting 2-3 days before showering and not allowing water in the eye or for a forceful stream to even press on a closed eyelid for the first week. If you’re concerned about getting water in your eyes, then just take a bath for the first week.
When can I drive after cataract surgery?
You need to be 24 hours out of anesthesia with a certain vision threshold met to be cleared to drive after cataract surgery. Often, you will receive clearance to drive after your Day 1 post-operative appointment. However, you should have someone drive you to the appointment, since you will not have clearance prior to checking the vision.
When can I go back to work after cataract surgery?
Because vision is subjective, there’s variability in when people feel ready to return to work after cataract surgery. In general, most people can return to office work within 2-3 days. If you work in an area with dirt, dust, or heavy lifting, it will be longer. Ask your surgeon for more specifics.
What are the risks of cataract surgery?
Because it is surgery, there is always some risk to the vision or to the eye, and with all surgery, there is no guarantee of a specific outcome. Some people have greater risk components than others. We recommend having this discussion with your surgeon.
What can I expect to see after laser cataract surgery?
Vision after cataract surgery depends not only on the cataract surgery approach and lens choice, but also on the health of the rest of the eye, especially the cornea, the retina, and the optic nerve. If you would like to learn more about your vision options, call or text us at 713-893-2020 or contact us for an appointment below. We take care of many patients from the Houston, Texas area, but many patients drive or fly from out of town for their consultation and surgery.
