After you have been diagnosed with a cataract that is ready for surgery, you will be scheduled for a comprehensive cataract surgery planning visit – this takes place in the office at Maryland Eye Consultants & Surgeons, and generally does not require repeat dilation of the eyes. During this visit, our team will perform detailed biometric measurements of your eyes, as well as any other necessary testing. You will then review the measurements with your surgeon, who will help you pick your intraocular lens that best suits your visual goals. You will also speak with our surgical coordinators, who will review the details of the process, and schedule a date for surgery. Many patients find it helpful to bring a friend or family member who can help with the decision making and surgery scheduling process.
Please note – your actual cataract surgery will take place on another date, at a dedicated ambulatory surgery center.
Upon arrival at the surgery center, you will check in and be taken to the pre-operative area. Here, you will receive an IV, and your surgical eye will be dilated. You will also meet the various members of your surgical team, including nursing staff, and your anesthetist. During your surgery, you will likely receive light IV sedation to keep you relaxed. After your surgery has been completed, your eye will be covered. Your IV will be removed, and you will be discharged home with detailed instructions, as well as contact information for our office should you have any problems. Please expect this whole process to take between 2-3 hours.
Most patients experience an uneventful recovery from cataract surgery. You will see your surgeon at Maryland Eye Consultants the day after surgery for a postoperative check. Many patients have much improved vision on day 1 after surgery, but it may take a few days to a few weeks for you to realize the full visual benefits. We will provide you with some basic activity restrictions, including no heavy lifting (approximately 20 pounds), and no bending your head below the level of your waist, for 1 week after surgery. Most patients are able to care for themselves, and self-administer the prescribed eye drops. You will receive a new prescription for glasses approximately 1 month after your surgery, after your eye has had a chance to fully heal. Most patients are able to use inexpensive over the counter reading glasses for up close tasks during the first month after surgery.
No. Once your cataracts are removed, they will never come back. The intraocular lens (IOL) that is implanted during your surgery will not need replacement, and they will be the lenses through which you will see the world, for the rest of your life! Therefore, it is important to take the time to educate yourself on your options before your cataract surgery.
