Cataract surgery is performed on an outpatient basis and only takes a few minutes. Since topical anesthetic eye drops are used, there is no needle injection which can be risky and painful. Needle injection also delays visual recovery and could cause temporary swelling and bruising of the eyelid. A small incision (about 1/10 inch) is made in the cornea. An instrument is introduced in the eye and is used to break up the cataract into small particles using high energy sound waves. These particles are gently suctioned from the eye. This technique is called phacoemulsification. The cataract is then replaced with a clear lens implant in order to restore the eye’s focusing ability as shown in the diagrams below. Since the incision is self-sealing, no stitches are required. No eye patch is necessary.
WHY CHOOSE DR. KHOURI FOR CATARACT SURGERY
Dr. George Khouri is fully versed in the latest techniques of cataract surgery including the use of Laser Cataract Surgery and the use of Lifestyle Lens Implants such as Multifocal Lens Implants and Accommodative Lens Implants to reduce or eliminate the dependence on glasses for distance, near and everywhere in between. Patients with corneal astigmatism can also benefit from Toric Lens Implants to reduce or eliminate corneal astigmatism.
WHAT RESULTS CAN I EXPECT FROM CATARACT SURGERY?
Over 1.4 million people undergo cataract surgery in the U.S. yearly, and over 98% of them experience improved vision. Everyone heals somewhat differently, but many patients notice visual improvement almost immediately after the procedure and return to their normal lifestyle routine within a day or two.
Once Cataracts are surgically removed, they do not grow back. However, some patients may experience clouding of the natural capsule that supports the lens implant. This is called secondary cataract or posterior capsule opacification. In this case, a laser is used to painlessly open the cloudy capsule and restore clear vision almost immediately.
Cataract Surgery FAQs
What are cataracts?
A cataract is the clouding of the clear lens of the eye. It leads to blurry vision and can progress to vision loss if left untreated.
How do I know if I have cataracts?
Cataracts develop gradually over time. Early on, you may not notice any pain or discomfort. This means that it could be decades before you exhibit any signs of the condition. If you notice any of the following symptoms, it is time to seek treatment:
- Vision that is cloudy or blurry
- Colors appear faded or dull
- You have trouble seeing clearly at night or in low light
- Sources of light, such as lamps, the sun, or headlights, seem too bright
- You see halos around lights
- Double vision
Is cataract surgery painful?
Cataract surgery is not a painful procedure. Even still, Dr. Khouri understands that some patients may be nervous to undergo the procedure, which is why he takes steps to ensure the patient is informed and comfortable at all times.
Will both eyes be done at one time?
Cataract surgery is typically done on one eye at a time, allowing Dr. Khouri to observe your outcome and how your eye adjusts to the new lens before proceeding with the second eye in a separate procedure. Additionally, since cataracts don’t always progress at the same rate, one eye may need intervention before the other.
Will I have to wear glasses after cataract surgery?
When you undergo cataract surgery, the natural lens is replaced by an artificial one, known as an intraocular lens (IOL). Dr. Khouri will have gathered precise measurements of your unique visual system parameters before your procedure to customize your treatment. For many patients, the IOL will help them achieve crisp 20/20 vision, eliminating the need for glasses and contacts. In some cases, reading glasses or multifocal progressive lenses may be necessary to sharpen vision in certain situations by treating certain refractive errors. Your results depend on the type of IOL used during surgery, as well as how your eyes adjust to the lens.
What would happen if I did not undergo cataract surgery?
If you are hesitant to go forward with cataract surgery, you may decide to delay this procedure. However, you should know that cataracts are a progressive condition, meaning your vision will get increasingly blurry and worse over time. Dr. Khouri can help you with your concerns about the surgery and can further explain the benefits of this vision-saving procedure.
When can I get back to regular activities after cataract surgery?
Dr. Khouri will provide a detailed aftercare plan that will provide information for taking care of yourself following your procedure. Full recovery typically takes about four weeks, but patients often notice visual improvement right away. Normal activities can be resumed after one or two days, or as instructed by Dr. Khouri. If you live an active lifestyle and would like to know when you can resume more strenuous activities, such as swimming, lifting heavy objects, and exercising, Dr. Khouri can provide additional guidance.
