Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed procedures in the United States. If you’re scheduled for cataract surgery or considering it, you may wonder what happens during the procedure. This blog will walk you through the key steps of cataract surgery, helping you feel more informed and prepared for your journey to clearer vision.
What is a Cataract?
A cataract occurs when the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy. Cataracts develop when proteins in the eye’s lens clump together, causing blurry, cloudy, or dim vision. The most common cause of cataracts is aging, but they can also be caused by eye injury, certain medications, or health conditions such as diabetes.
What Is Cataract Surgery?
Cataract surgery is the process of removing a cloudy lens from the eye, and replacing it with a clear artificial lens known as an intraocular lens (IOL). Surgery is the only effective treatment for cataracts, and it can significantly improve your vision and quality of life.
Step-by-Step Guide: What Happens During Cataract Surgery?
1. Preparation Before Surgery
Before your cataract surgery, your eye surgeon will conduct a thorough eye exam and take precise measurements of your eye to determine the most suitable type and power of the intraocular lens (IOL) for you. You’ll also discuss your IOL options, which range from monofocal lenses to advanced options like multifocal or toric lenses designed to reduce dependency on glasses.
A few days before the surgery, your doctor may prescribe antibiotic eye drops to prevent infection.
2. Anesthesia and Numbing the Eye
On the day of the procedure, you will be given a mild sedative to help you relax. Eye drops will be applied to numb your eye, ensuring you don’t feel any discomfort during the surgery. In most cases, patients remain awake but are calm and comfortable throughout the procedure.
3. Creating the Incision
Once your eye is numb, your surgeon will create a small incision in the cornea, the clear front part of your eye. This incision is tiny—often less than 3 millimeters—and is made with either a precise surgical blade or a femtosecond laser. The small incision allows access to the eye’s lens and facilitates faster recovery.
4. Breaking Up and Removing the Cloudy Lens
Next, the cloudy lens affected by cataracts is broken up and removed from the eye using a technique called phacoemulsification, in which ultrasound waves break up the cataract into tiny fragments. These fragments are then gently suctioned out through the incision. This step is quick and efficient, minimizing any disruption to surrounding eye tissue.
5. Inserting the Intraocular Lens (IOL)
Once the cloudy lens is removed, the surgeon will insert the new intraocular lens (IOL). The IOL is carefully folded and inserted through the same small incision, where it unfolds into its permanent position within the lens capsule of the eye. Depending on the IOL you choose, this new lens can improve your distance vision, reading vision, or both.
6. Closing the Incision
One of the advantages of modern cataract surgery is that the incision is so small that stitches are rarely needed. The eye’s natural pressure helps seal the incision, and it heals quickly on its own. In some cases, the surgeon may use a single dissolvable stitch if necessary.
7. Post-Surgery Care
After the procedure, you will be taken to a recovery area where your vital signs will be monitored as you rest. Most patients are ready to go home within an hour after surgery, though you’ll need someone to drive you home. Your doctor will provide detailed post-operative instructions, including the use of prescription eye drops to prevent infection, reduce inflammation, and aid healing.
What to Expect After Cataract Surgery?
In most cases, your vision will start improving within a few days of surgery. While some patients experience clear vision the next day, it’s normal for your vision to appear blurry for a few days as your eye adjusts to the new lens. You may also notice some mild discomfort, light sensitivity, or a gritty sensation in the eye—these symptoms typically resolve within a few days.
Your doctor will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your healing process and ensure your eye is recovering as expected. Many patients can resume normal activities within a week, though it’s important to avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for a short period.
Is Cataract Surgery Safe?
Cataract surgery has an excellent track record for safety and effectiveness. The procedure is performed approximately 4 million times each year in the U.S., with a high success rate and minimal complications. Most people experience significant improvements in vision after surgery, allowing them to return to activities they love without the limitations caused by cataracts.
Conclusion
Cataract surgery is a life-changing procedure that can restore clear vision and improve your overall quality of life. The procedure is quick, typically painless, and has a short recovery time. By understanding what happens during cataract surgery, you can approach the process with confidence, knowing that you’re taking an important step toward better vision.
For more information about cataract surgery, call (800) 826-4631 or visit nweyes.com
Related Articles:
- Cataracts: Causes, Symptoms, and Advanced Treatment Options
- What Types of Intraocular Lenses Are Available?
- The Future of Cataract Surgery Vision Correction: The Light Adjustable Lens
Tags: Cataracts, Cataract Surgery, Light Adjustable Lens, Premium IOLs, Cataract Symptoms, Vision Correction, Northwest Eye Surgeons, Seattle Eye Surgery
