What Cataract Surgery Does
Cataract surgery replaces a cloudy natural lens with a clear intraocular lens (IOL). Light passes cleanly to the retina again, restoring sharpness and color. Once the lens is replaced, cataracts cannot return.
Who Benefits Most
- Blurry or dim vision that interferes with driving, reading, or night glare control.
- Trouble with contrast, halos, or double images that make tasks feel unsafe.
- Active lifestyles or occupations that demand crisp detail and predictable depth perception.
- Early lens changes that make refractive lens exchange (RLE) a better fit than repeated laser touch-ups.
How We Plan Your Surgery
- Advanced diagnostics: Corneal maps, optical biometry, and macular imaging confirm the right power and incision plan (see our diagnostics overview).
- Ocular surface tune-up: Treating dryness or blepharitis improves measurement accuracy and comfort after surgery.
- Lens selection: Together we choose between monofocal, toric, extended depth of focus (EDOF), or multifocal lenses (read the premium IOL guide).
- Medication and timing: We outline drop schedules, fasting, and ride arrangements so surgery day runs smoothly.
What Happens on Surgery Day
- You arrive having used your prescribed drops and without contact lenses.
- The eye is numbed; light sedation keeps you relaxed but responsive.
- Micro-incisions allow removal of the cloudy lens with ultrasound or laser assistance.
- The new IOL is positioned and centered; toric lenses are aligned to your astigmatism map.
- A clear shield protects the eye as you head home with same-day instructions.
Lens Options in Plain Language
- Monofocal: Sharpest distance vision; readers are needed for near tasks.
- Toric: Corrects corneal astigmatism during the same surgery.
- EDOF: Smooth focus from distance through arm’s length with minimal halos.
- Multifocal/Trifocal: Multiple focal zones to minimize glasses for most tasks. We ensure pupil behavior and lifestyle fit these optics.
Recovery Timeline
- Hours 0–24: Mild scratchiness or light sensitivity is normal. Use drops exactly as prescribed.
- Days 1–7: Colors brighten and detail sharpens. Avoid heavy lifting, pools, and eye rubbing.
- Weeks 2–4: Vision stabilizes. Glasses, if needed, are updated once both eyes settle (see the recovery guide).
Safety, Risks, and Follow-Up
Cataract surgery is highly successful, but every eye is unique. Call us urgently for worsening pain, a curtain-like shadow, or sudden vision loss. Routine follow-ups check healing, pressure, and IOL position. Your surgeon remains involved at every stage, with direct same-day responses for urgent concerns.
Questions to Bring to Your Visit
- Which lens design best fits my work, hobbies, and night driving needs?
- How will astigmatism or presbyopia be managed during surgery?
- What is my drop schedule and activity list for the first week?
- When should I schedule the second eye if needed?
- How can I reach the team the same day if something feels off?