What to Expect During Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is an amazingly quick outpatient procedure that can erase years of poor vision. The entire surgical process takes 25-35 minutes to perform.
When you decide to move forward with the procedure, it’s normal to feel a little nervous. Our staff understands this and will do everything we can to make you as comfortable and relaxed as possible. We can even prescribe relaxation medication if you need it. The main goal is that you feel 100% confident in our surgical abilities.
Cataract Surgery Day
We will ask that you arrive 45 minutes before your surgery time to complete any necessary paperwork, give yourself time to relax and allow your Idaho Falls cataract surgery doctor to perform one final check on your vision.
- Dilation eye drops will be placed into your eye and local anesthetics will be given. You will remain awake during the procedure.
- Your doctor will use a hand-held blade to create a small corneal incision. 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.
- 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.
- 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 in Southeast Idaho
After relaxing in our pre-op area for a while and your doctor has visited you again, you can go 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.
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).
Remember: 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 shed new light on your eye health and will help you learn more about your options for vision improvement.
