Did you know the eye has a natural lens? The natural lens sits in the front part of the eye, just behind the iris (the colored part of your eye) and the pupil (the dark dot in the center that dilates and contracts). Your natural lens helps focus light on the retina, which is in the back of the eye. Over time or because of some diseases, the natural lens of the eye can become cloudy. A cloudy, natural lens is called a cataract, and it can interfere with vision. Fortunately, the surgeons at the Eye Clinic of Florida can remove the cataract, and replace it with an intraocular lens— an artificial lens that is placed inside the eye.
Before cataract surgery: Eye exams
Before the day of your cataract surgery, your ophthalmologist or optometrist will perform an extensive examination of your eyes. Your doctor will determine if you are a candidate for cataract surgery and assess the overall health of your eyes. During this visit, the doctor will make several measurements of your eye and get a sense of your unique anatomy. Since cataract surgery involves the replacement of your natural lens—one of the main structures that helps you focus on objects in your field of vision—your doctor will determine if you are nearsighted or farsighted and if you have an astigmatism. These measurements can help your doctor and you choose the right intraocular lens.
Choosing the right intraocular lens
In the past few years, many types of intraocular lenses have been approved by the FDA for cataract treatment and other surgeries. There are lenses that can treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. By age 60, virtually everyone has a condition called presbyopia, which is difficulty in focusing on very near objects (also called “a loss of accommodation”). Some intraocular lenses, such as accommodating lenses and multifocal lenses can treat presbyopia as well. Note that the standard intraocular lens simply provides sharp focus for one distance—this one distance may be for distance vision, like driving or for near vision, like reading. Standard lenses do not correct astigmatism. Premium lenses, which are more expensive, provide sharp focus at more than one distance. New toric lenses can even treat astigmatism.
For people who choose a premium lens, the artificial lens replacement will correct most visual issues. Keep in mind, however, that even premium intraocular lenses may not correct severe nearsightedness or severe farsightedness (sometimes people with these conditions have been told they have “strong” eyeglass prescriptions). Likewise, not all cases of astigmatism can be fully corrected with intraocular lenses. The surgeons at the Eye Clinic of Florida will help you decide which intraocular lens is best for your visual difficulties. They will also discuss the degree of visual correction that you can expect after surgery.
Preparing for the day of surgery
Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure. In fact, you will be awake during the surgery. Your eye will be numbed with a medication and you may be given a separate medication to help you relax. Even though the procedure does not involve general anesthesia, you should still have nothing by mouth (no food or drink, even water) within two hours before your surgery.
Make sure you tell your doctor about every medicine that you take, including prescribed medications, over-the-counter medications (including aspirin or pain pills), and all herbal remedies and supplements. You may need to stop taking some medications up to seven days before the day of your cataract surgery. Be sure to ask your surgeon about which medications can be taken and which need to be temporarily stopped. For routine cataract surgery, however, you will be able to continue all of your medications.
You will need to make sure you have an adult with a valid driver’s license who can escort you to the Eye Clinic of Florida and can drive you home afterwards. This person should also be able to take care of you on the day of surgery, such as helping you perform tasks around the house, pick up prescriptions, etc.
After cataract surgery
Fortunately, you should not experience pain in your eye after cataract surgery. You may experience mild irritation as the eye heals, this is completely normal. You should notice your vision has improved soon after cataract surgery, within a few days. You will need to use eye drops as directed for several weeks after surgery.
Please visit our FAQ page on cataract surgery for more details.