Cataract Surgery

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On the day of the surgery, patients are usually asked not to eat solid food for at least six hours before the procedure. The affected eye will be numbed with anesthetic eye drops or with a small injection beside the eye.

To help the patient relax, mild sedative medication may be given. During the operation, the patient remains awake and may notice light and movement, but won’t feel pain or see what the surgeon is doing, so there’s nothing to worry about.

Stitches are not required for cataract surgery. The tiny “self-sealing” incisions naturally close and heal on their own. After the procedure, the operated eye will be covered with a protective patch or shield, which the doctor will remove when appropriate.

During cataract surgery, the surgeon makes a small opening in the eye, removes the cloudy natural lens, and replaces it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to restore clear vision. The entire procedure typically takes 15 to 20 minutes, and most patients are discharged the same day.

Your vision will begin to improve gradually within a few days after surgery. During the initial healing period, it’s normal to experience cloudy, blurry, or slightly distorted vision. It may take a few days for your eye to adjust and adapt to the new intraocular lens.

Your doctor may prescribe eye drops and medications to manage inflammation, prevent infection, and control eye pressure after surgery.

A follow-up visit is typically scheduled within one or two days, followed by additional check-ups after one week and again after a month.

Most patients experience only mild discomfort in the days following surgery, with full recovery usually achieved in about eight weeks.

During the recovery period, you should:

• Use prescribed eye drops exactly as instructed.
• Avoid letting soap or water get into your eye.
• Refrain from rubbing or pressing on your eye. Wearing sunglasses or a protective shield may be recommended.

Avoid heavy exercise or visually demanding tasks like reading or driving until your doctor allows it.

Is cataract surgery painful?

During the surgery, there is little or no pain because the eye is numbed with anesthetic drops. After the procedure, as the sedatives wear off, mild discomfort may occur, which can usually be managed effectively with over-the-counter pain medications.

Is cataract surgery a safe procedure?

Like all surgical procedures, cataract surgery carries some risks. However, with modern techniques and advanced technology, its success rate is extremely high. Timely intervention also helps minimize the risk of complications that may occur during surgery.

One of the most important steps in this operation is the selection and precise positioning of the intraocular lens (IOL). After thorough measurements, the surgeon determines the type, power, and placement angle of the lens. These lenses can correct not only cataracts but also astigmatism and both near and distance vision.

Intraocular lenses are biocompatible, meaning they do not cause allergies or tissue rejection. Once implanted, they remain in the patient’s eye for life, ensuring clear and lasting vision.

When should I consider cataract surgery?

If a person notices blurred vision or trouble seeing clearly, an eye examination is essential. Once a cataract is confirmed, timely surgery is recommended. If both eyes are affected, the surgeries are generally scheduled several weeks apart.

Can cataract surgery be redone?

The natural lens removed during cataract surgery cannot be restored. However, the implanted artificial lens can be repositioned or replaced if necessary, although such issues are very rare.

Does cataract surgery last a lifetime?

Once placed, your IOL usually provides permanent vision correction for the rest of your life.

Does cataract surgery cause dry eyes?

Cataract surgery itself does not cause dry eyes. However, if you already have a dry eye condition, it may need to be treated before your surgery to ensure a healthy tear film, as dry eyes can negatively affect the results of the procedure.

Will I regain my old vision after cataract surgery?

If no other condition is affecting vision, the eye that undergoes cataract surgery typically regains its original clarity.

Will I wear glasses after cataract surgery?

During cataract surgery, the implanted lens can be adjusted to improve vision at specific distances. If the lens is configured for distance vision, you can see far clearly without glasses, but may still need reading glasses. Conversely, if the lens is set for near vision, you can read without glasses but will require corrective lenses for distance. When a multifocal lens is chosen, it can simultaneously correct myopia, hypermetropia, and astigmatism, allowing clear vision at multiple distances with a single lens.

Do I need to get anesthesia for cataract surgery?

During cataract surgery, general anesthesia is generally not required, except in the case of children or infants. Adult patients typically receive local anesthesia, which is administered around the eye to numb it, prevent movement, and block sensation.

Can laser surgery be performed after cataract surgery?

Upon confirmation of ocular suitability during examination, laser surgery may be carried out.

Does cataract surgery at a very late stage (advanced cataract) affect the success of the operation?

Cataract surgeries performed on advanced cases have a higher probability of complications and generally require a longer operating time.