Sage-Tips

How long does cataract surgery generally take?

Uncomplicated cataract surgery usually takes no longer than about 10 minutes to perform. Immediately after the surgery, you will rest in a recovery area until you are less groggy from sedation or anesthesia. Typically this takes about 30 minutes to an hour.

When is the best time for cataract surgery?

When your ophthalmologist specialist has diagnosed you with cataracts, one of the first questions is “When should I schedule cataract surgery” I give my Charleston, South Carolina patients this answer: The best time to have cataract surgery is when your blurred vision is making it difficult to do things you want or …

Will I need progressive lenses after cataract surgery?

Often, it’s a good idea to purchase a pair of glasses for use as needed after cataract surgery. To see your best at all distances, progressive lenses often are the best solution. If sensitivity to light is a problem, photochromic lenses that darken automatically in sunlight usually are a great choice.

Can you wait too long for cataract surgery?

Patients who wait more than 6 months for cataract surgery may experience negative outcomes during the wait period, including vision loss, a reduced quality of life and an increased rate of falls.

What is the best lens to get for cataract surgery?

The Envista lens is an excellent standard lens because it restores full color vision, provides excellent image quality from edge to edge, and the material is resistant to calcification or glistening formation. These lenses get their name because they focus light over a range of vision rather than only in one place.

What are the negative side effects of cataract surgery?

When cataract surgery complications do occur, they can include:

• Posterior capsule opacification (PCO)
• Intraocular lens dislocation.
• Eye inflammation.
• Light sensitivity.
• Photopsia (perceived flashes of light)
• Macular edema (swelling of the central retina)
• Ptosis (droopy eyelid)
• Ocular hypertension (elevated eye pressure)

Why is cataract surgery not recommended?

If there are cataracts in both eyes that require surgery, the surgeries are usually performed several weeks apart. Cataract surgery on both eyes at the same time is not recommended because there is a possibility of complications affecting both eyes; the most worrisome is infection.

What are the negatives of cataract surgery?

The main disadvantage of cataract surgery is that it’s not as precise as laser surgery. It would be a mistake to go ahead with laser surgery if you had a cataract because it’s likely that the cataract would interfere with the visual results you could achieve after laser refractive surgery.

How long is the recovery time after cataract surgery?

Cataract surgery recovery time is considered to be approximately six weeks. However, most patients should find that any pain or discomfort will subside within a day or two of their surgery. Immediately following cataract surgery, patients may experience some pain and irritation of the eye.

When do you know its time to get cataract surgery?

5 Signs It’s Time For Cataract Surgery Harder To See In The Dark. With cataracts, driving at night becomes much more difficult. Light Sensitivity. Besides having difficulty seeing in the dark, cataracts make you sensitive to light. Yellow Hue. When you have cataracts, you’ll notice that your vision is tinted yellow or brown. Halos. Double Vision. Cataract Surgery Basics.

What time gap should be given between two cataract surgeries?

With advent of new techniques the gap between cataract surgeries of two eyes is decreasing. But according to many ophthalmologists ideal gap of 3 to 4 weeks is preferable. As by that time the incision of first surgery will heal, possibility of complications can be ruled out.

What is the healing time for cataract surgery?

Some patients see very well the day after cataract surgery. Other patients see well a few days after surgery, and still others may need a full month to reach their maximum vision improvement.