Cataract FAQ's
When should I have my cataract surgery done?
A cataract surgery is considered to be an elective procedure. There is never a rush to have a cataract surgery done, and you should be suspicious of any doctor who tells you that you need to have a cataract surgery done immediately. Cataracts generally change very slowly and therefore your surgery could be done next month or 4-6 months from now without the cataract damaging your eye permanently. There are rare cases where an advanced cataract could lead to sight-threatening conditions and need surgery quickly, but these are rare.
Am I guaranteed 20/20 vision from my cataract surgery?
If you have a very healthy eye with decreased vision from a cataract you should expect to see 20/20 after the surgery. In many cases it may take glasses to achieve 20/20 vision. Because of variability in the healing response, other possible eye diseases, and rare post-operative problems such as edema or swelling of the retina or cornea your surgeon cannot guarantee 20/20 vision after your surgery.
Is cataract surgery painful?
No, in almost all cases eye surgery has minimal pain either during the surgery or in the post-operative period. You may expect minor scratchy discomfort. If you have severe pain you should contact your doctor immediately.
Can I lose my vision from cataract surgery?
Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most high tech surgeries performed by ophthalmologists. It is very safe with a low complication rate. However, vision loss has occurred after cataract surgery although the rate is very low, probably less than 1 in 1,000.
Can cataracts grow back after cataract surgery?
No, once the cloudy lens is removed the cataract is gone forever. The new plastic lens placed inside of your eye is good for the rest of your life. In 20-30% of cases some cloudiness can develop to the membrane holding or supporting the new plastic lens. This is called a secondary cataract and can lead to visual symptoms. Fortunately, a secondary cataract can be fixed with a simple in-office laser procedure.
If I have a cataract in both eyes, when can my second eye procedure be done?
From a safety perspective, a second procedure can be done as soon as five to seven days after the first surgery. This is the time frame when significant problems such as infection would be noticed. The clearest vision and majority of the visual recovery is typically found after two to three weeks and so this is the average time frame when a second cataract procedure is planned. A second procedure does not automatically need to occur. Some patients have the first eye cataract surgery and find that the vision is so much better that they do not need to have the other cataract taken care of immediately. In the majority of cases however, after the first successful cataract surgery the vision is so good in the operated eye that patients are very anxious to have the surgery done in the other eye.
If I choose not to have a premium or presbyopia-correcting intraocular lens inserted in my eye now, can I have one inserted later?
This is a good question because some patients may be unable to pay extra for a premium intraocular lens at this time but in the future they have the finances for a lens upgrade. Unfortunately, Medicare and other insurance companies will not pay for a lens exchange for switching a monofocal lens to a premium intraocular lens. Most surgeons would also not advise going through additional eye surgery to change a monofocal lens to a premium intraocular lens. Therefore, the decision must be made at the time of your initial cataract surgery.
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