Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is the most common medical procedure in the country. That’s because cataracts are so pervasive.
At least half of all adults at some point in their lives will develop cataracts. Without cataract surgery, they can cause complete vision loss.
But this straightforward procedure allows you to keep your eyesight even if cataracts are affecting your vision.
What is Cataract Surgery?
Cataracts cause the lens of your eye to get cloudy, and your vision gets blurry and dim because of them. Cataract surgery gives you clear vision again so you can continue to go about your daily life.
It removes your cloudy natural lens and replaces it with an artificial one, called an intraocular lens or IOL. If cataracts are interfering with your life, then it’s time for you to get cataract surgery.
Take our cataract self-test to see if you are a good candidate for surgery.
How Does Cataract Surgery Work?
Before the procedure, your surgeon numbs your eye with anesthetic eye drops. You will be awake during the procedure but won’t feel any pain.
Your surgeon makes an incision in your cornea so they can access your lens behind it. Once they can access it, they use a small probe to break your lens into smaller pieces, making it easier to remove.
After your lens is in tiny pieces, they pull it out with gentle suction. Then, they replace it with the IOL you selected before the procedure.
After the IOL is in place, your surgeon reattaches the incision in your cornea, which heals on its own. And you get sent home to rest and recover.
How Long Does Recovery From Cataract Surgery Take?
Full recovery from cataract surgery usually takes eight weeks. But, you should notice an improvement in your vision within a few days after surgery. You may also notice that everything seems brighter.
Itching and discomfort are normal following your procedure. You have a follow-up appointment within a few days to ensure everything went well.
You will also have one the week and month after. Your eye doctor will prescribe eye drops to prevent infection and aid in the healing process.
Cataract Symptom Checker
Does Cataract Surgery Have Risks?
Like any surgery, cataract surgery does carry a small amount of risk, especially if you have another medical condition.
There is a slight chance you may experience:
- Inflammation
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Swelling
- Drooping eyelid
- Dislocation of artificial lens
- Loss of vision
In most cases, however, cataract surgery goes well without any issues.
What types of IOL’s are available?
There are tw1o basic types of IOLs, monofocal or standard IOLs, and premium IOLs. Monofocal IOLs are the most common and correct vision at one distance, near or far.
You will need to use glasses to see at the distance your monofocal IOL doesn’t correct. Premium IOLs have enhanced abilities, and at Cobb Eye Center, we offer three types of premium IOLs:
Toric IOLs
Toric IOLs are for people with astigmatism. Their unique design allows them to correct astigmatism and help you see clearly.
PanOptix Trifocal
The PanOptix trifocal IOL is a premium multifocal IOL with three points of focus. Most multifocal IOLs only provide two focal points, which results in a gap in your vision.
The PanOptix trifocal has a third focal point. It’s set between traditional distance and up-close focal points to give you uninterrupted vision at all distances. The PanOptix trifocal gives you an excellent chance of never needing glasses again.
Vivity IOL
The Vivity IOL delivers monofocal-quality distance with excellent intermediate and functional near vision. It is an extended depth of focus or EDOF IOL.
The Vivitiy IOL uses a technology called X-WAVE technology. X-WAVE shifts light as it hits the lens instead of splitting it as traditional multifocal IOLs do, giving you uninterrupted vision. The Vivity IOL also gives you an excellent chance of never needing glasses again.
Are cataracts interfering with your daily life? Schedule a cataract screening at Cobb Eye Center in Dallas, GA, to see if it’s time for cataract surgery!
