Cataract Surgery

What Are Cataracts?

A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens. This decreases the transmission of light and diminishes our ability to see. The cataract commonly develops due to age and patients may attribute their blurry vision to a need for a stronger pair of glasses. While this may sometimes be true, oftentimes they are experiencing the onset of a cataract. A visit to your ophthalmologist can definitively diagnose this condition.

What are the Symptoms of Cataracts?

Blurry or cloudy vision
Struggle to read fine print
Increased lighting requirements
Increased halos around lights

Faded or yellowed vision
Poor night vision
Doubling of images
Frequently changing glasses prescription

Who is at Risk for Cataracts?

People can develop a cataract due to age (the most common cause), trauma or a metabolic disorder such as diabetes among other reasons. The cataract may develop slowly or progress rapidly over time and this varies by individual. About 60% of patients who have cataracts are 60 years or older. Worldwide, it is the number one cause of preventable blindness. The good news is that cataracts can be treated with surgery allowing patients to fully recover their vision.

Cataract Surgery in Silver Springs

How is it performed?

Cataract surgery is a lens replacement surgery. The doctor removes your cloudy lens and implants a clear artificial lens implant that allows you to see clearly.

The procedure is quick and painless. It is performed in an outpatient setting and you go home the same day. At the time of surgery, your anesthesiologist will give you some medication to relax you.

To access the cataract, a small incision is made in the cornea, the clear outermost layer of the eye. An ultrasonic probe is then inserted into the eye to break up the lens into tiny pieces and removes it from the eye.

Once the cataract has been removed a clear artificial lens is implanted in the eye. The visual improvement with cataract surgery is rapid and can be experienced within 24 hours of the operation.

Laser-assisted Cataract Surgery

Maryland Eye is proud to offer laser-assisted cataract surgery. Using a computer-guided femtosecond laser platform (LenSx by Alcon), your surgeon will complete the most delicate parts of the cataract surgery within 30 seconds. You will then be taken immediately to the operating room, where the residual cataract material is vacuumed out, and your IOL is inserted. Benefits include the ability to perform more precise astigmatism treatment, a perfectly centered IOL, and decreased manipulation and ultrasound energy used during cataract removal. Laser cataract surgery is not covered by medical insurance.

Learn More About the Options with Advanced Technology Lenses to Minimize Your Dependence on Glasses

Cataract Self-Test

Cataract Surgery FAQs

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.