Cataract Surgery
A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens of the eye, caused by the breakdown of proteins in your lens. A common symptom of cataracts is glare around headlights and streetlights. The cloudier the cataract becomes, the more you will notice things looking blurrier and less colorful.
After you start to develop cataracts, glasses and contact lenses may help you see better for a while, but they may not be able to help you long-term. Once you are no longer satisfied with your quality of vision, cataract surgery will be your next step.
There are other medical indications for cataract surgery, including cataract-induced glaucoma. Surgery may also be necessary if a cataract prevents your doctor from seeing your retina or treating other conditions, such as diabetic retinopathy, which involves damage to the small blood vessels of the retina.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there risks with cataract surgery?
As with any type of surgery, there are some risks with cataract surgery, but cataract surgery is generally a very common surgery and there are typically no complications. Your doctor can discuss these risks in more detail with you on the day of your evaluation.
What is an intraocular lens (IOL)?
An intraocular lens is an artificial lens that will replace your natural lens in order for you to be able to see after surgery.
Will I still need glasses after surgery? – Some people will still need glasses or readers after cataract surgery, but not everyone. This typically depends on the type of intraocular lens that you and your doctor choose.
Which IOL should I choose?
The type of IOL that you choose depends on your needs and lifestyle. Your doctor will help you decide which one is best for you.
Can cataract surgery be done on both eyes on the same day?
Typically, we only remove one cataract at a time. This helps to ensure that you are happy with your outcome and that you are healing properly.
Will the surgery be performed at the hospital?
No, we have our own Ambulatory Surgery Center licensed by the state of Tennessee and accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care.
Will I need a driver the day of surgery?
Yes, you will be mildly sedated and will not be allowed to drive for 24 hours after surgery.
How long does surgery take?
The surgery itself typically only takes 10-15 minutes, but expect to be at our surgery center for around 2 hours for prep, surgery, and recovery.