Cataract surgery has come a long way over the years. Thanks to advances in technology and technique, cataract surgery has evolved from a relatively large incision with sutures and overnight stays in the hospital to much smaller incisions that usually don’t require sutures and same-day procedures that often require less than an hour of time from beginning to end. That’s terrific news, as cataract surgery is the most common ophthalmic procedure performed in the United States, with more than 3 million cataract surgeries performed each year.
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What Is Small Incision Cataract Surgery?
What Happens After the Cataract Lens Has Been Removed?
- Monofocal IOL, which provides excellent distance vision following cataract removal
- Presbyopia-Correcting IOL, which offers excellent distance vision, as well as presbyopia (age-related inability to see at arms length or close objects clearly) correction, and come in two types – accommodating lenses and multifocal lenses
- Toric IOL, which corrects astigmatism, the most common vision problem, causing blurry vision at all distances and usually caused by an irregularly shaped cornea
These clear, artificial lenses require no care and become a permanent part of your eye. With advances in technology and delivery, these lenses can usually be inserted through the same incision used to remove the cataract lens immediately following cataract removal.
Will I Feel the IOL?
If I Have Cataracts in Both Eyes, Do I Have to Get the Same IOL in Each Eye?
What Happens if the Phaco Procedure Is Not Able to Remove the Cataract Lens?
If I Have Cataracts in Both Eyes, Will They Be Removed at the Same Time?
Are There Risks Associated with Small Incision Cataract Surgery?
- Infection
- Bleeding within the eye
- Retinal detachment
- Increased pressure within the eye (glaucoma)
- Swelling of the cornea or retina
- Partial or complete loss of vision
These conditions are usually treated successfully with medications or additional surgery. Your cataract surgeon will discuss these risks with you and answer any questions you have prior to surgery.
How Long Does Cataract Surgery Take?
Does Cataract Surgery Hurt?
How Long Does It Take to Recover from Cataract Surgery?
Will I Need to Wear an Eye Patch After Cataract Surgery?
Can I Drive After Cataract Surgery?
How Long Until I Can See Well After Cataract Surgery?
How Will My Eyes Feel After Cataract Surgery?
Should I Contact My Eye Surgeon After Cataract Surgery?
- Severe or increasing pain that does not get better with over-the-counter medication
- Sudden onset of floaters or flashes in your eye
These could be signs of a more severe eye problem and should be considered an eye emergency.
Am I at Risk of Developing a “Secondary Cataract” After Cataract Surgery?
Thankfully, if you experience a posterior capsule opacity or “secondary cataract” following cataract surgery, it can be easily treated with a procedure called a YAG laser capsulotomy. A YAG procedure opens the membrane behind the lens and allows light to flow directly to your retina once again.
More Information on Cataract Surgery
You can also visit the following cataract and cataract surgery resources provided by:
Finally, if you have questions about cataracts or cataract surgery and would like to schedule an appointment with our cataract surgeon, Dr. Richard Strecker, please contact us.