Cataract Surgery Co-Management

Don’t Let Cataracts Cloud Your Vision

Over 50% of people aged 65 and older have a cataract in one or both eyes. As the cataract progresses, vision deteriorates, leading to a decreased quality of life. Fortunately, cataract surgery can easily treat this condition.

What Are Cataracts?

Cataracts are cloudy patches that develop on the lens of your eye. Cataracts can cause blurred or double vision, may increase light sensitivity and interfere with driving, especially at night. Without cataract surgery, millions of people around the world would be unable to see clearly.

The most common symptoms include:

Blurred or double vision
Trouble seeing at night
Sensitivity to glare
Colored halos around lights
Colors appearing more faded
Requiring brighter light for reading

When to Get Cataract Surgery

As we evaluate your eye health and vision, we'll carefully examine your lens for signs of cataract formation. If a cataract is detected and the clouding is causing visual disruption, our optometrist will refer you to a trusted surgeon for cataract surgery. EyeCare Specialties Pediatric & Adult will be there for you, providing pre and post cataract surgery care.

As the condition begins to seriously impair your vision and adversely affects your daily life, impacting your ability to read, drive, watch TV or recognize faces, you should seriously consider surgery.

Benefits of Cataract Surgery

High success rate

Cataract surgery, one of the world’s most commonly performed surgeries, has a 95% success rate.
Quick and convenient

This procedure can take just 30 to 45 minutes in an outpatient setting or hospital.
Prevents other eye problems

Removing cataracts can reduce the risk of eye inflammation and pressure inside the eye–a leading cause of glaucoma.
Rapid recovery time

Patients start seeing more clearly within a few days. Colors may seem brighter thanks to the new, clear lens.

How to Prepare for Cataract Surgery

Apply antibiotic or anti-inflammatory eyedrops a few days before surgery if instructed to by your eye doctor
Arrange for a ride after the surgery, since you won’t be able to drive
Wash your face in the morning of the procedure and don’t wear eye makeup, strong perfumes or aftershave

What Happens During Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery removes your natural cloudy lens and replaces it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to improve and restore vision. This common and very safe procedure is performed by an eye doctor (ophthalmologist) on an outpatient basis.

The eye surgeon (ophthalmologist) will perform cataract surgery on one eye at a time. That means that you will come in for another surgery on the second eye. The procedure is brief and typically takes 30 to 45 minutes to complete.
The eye doctor will place drops into your eyes to numb them and dilate your pupils. Though you’ll be conscious during the procedure, you may be offered a sedative to help you remain calm. The eye surgeon will then remove your natural lens and replace it with the IOL. You should feel no pain or discomfort thanks to the anesthetic.

Cataract Surgery After-Care

After surgery, you may feel a bit drowsy as an after-effect of the sedative. Your eye doctor will prescribe eye drops to prevent infection, inflammation and to reduce pressure within your eye. The surgeon may recommend that you wear an eye patch for a few days after your surgery and the protective shield when you sleep during the recovery period. Make sure to avoid rubbing your eyes or touching them unless necessary.

A day after cataract surgery, we'll provide a post-operative eye exam to make sure that all is well. Your Wexford optometrist will further perform a series of follow-up exams in the weeks and months to come. If determined that you require corrective lenses following your cataract surgery, we'll make sure you get the proper prescription.

Cataract Surgery Management FAQs

What are side effects of cataract surgery?

While side effects are rare, there are some issues that people commonly encounter in the days after surgery, as the eyes heal.

Dry eye
Feeling that something is in the eye
Blurry vision
Light sensitivity

If any of these side effects do not subside within a week or two, please contact EyeCare Specialties Pediatric & Adult.

Can I delay cataract surgery

You can delay cataract surgery, but keep in mind that your vision will likely worsen the longer you put off the procedure.

When is cataract surgery not recommended?

Cataract patients who also have age-related macular degeneration or retinal detachment may not respond well to cataract surgery and the new lens may not correct vision.

Can cataract surgery give me 20/20 vision?

If you had great vision before developing cataracts, it’s likely that cataract surgery will restore your sight. Moreover, the IOL inserted into your eye can be designed to correct refractive errors, providing you with clear vision.

Patient Reviews

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- Apr. 12, 2024

It was immediate love at first sight! Not only did the elevator open to an enormous gorgeous space, ... Show Morebut I was greeted by a knowledgeable, welcoming team of Opticians at Eyecare. I arrived a little late after a difficult and stressful day, but they embraced me with open arms, and we got to work. This was my first visit so I had to complete some New Patient paperwork, however they helped me with completion so not to delay my time there. My evaluation with Nicole and Dr. Shuster was brief but quite thorough. It’s always a little nerve wracking when you’re meeting a new medical team, but They made me feel comfortable, listened and answered questions I had about my prescription and plan. Then came the fun part and my primary reason for scheduling with them! I was skeptical that they would not meet my expectations in terms of frame options, as I have been disappointed and looking for fun funky frames for over a year. Believe me when I say, I was pleasantly surprised! Suzanne who I had spoken with before my appt to confirm, listened to my preferences and had already set aside some frames for me to try. Then, despite me being there at the end of the night, Bailey and Cherie spent considerable time while I tried on as many frames as I could. Now, I’ll admit I am a tough critic and quite particular looking for specific shapes and dramatic colors. When you’ve worn glasses long enough, you know what you want. Well I may not have found what I thought I was looking for, but they opened my eyes to other options, and now I have to make a difficult decision on one or another, or maybe both! They offer a variety of high-end brands, but are reasonably priced, and they have some amazing bargains to take advantage of. Plus, they are open later, which is hard to find, and I am so thankful for, with my work schedule. They informed me that get new inventory pretty frequently which was music to my ears! Either way, I will be buying and will without a doubt be returning to work with this amazing team and selection of frames! I encourage all of you who have imperfect vision to go explore. I was referred by a very satisfied friend, and now I want to do the referring! If it’s your first time, they will guide you! I promise you will not regret it!

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