Serving patients in Macedon, Geneva, Canandaigua, and surrounding Rochester-area communities in the Finger Lakes region.
What Are Cataracts?
A cataract is a clouding of the eye's natural lens, which sits behind the iris and pupil. As the lens becomes increasingly cloudy, light cannot pass through clearly, causing vision to appear blurry, hazy, or less colorful. Cataracts develop gradually and are one of the leading causes of vision loss in adults over 40.
Everyone will eventually be affected by cataracts. They can occur at any age, though the average cataract surgery patient is around 73. There is currently no medication or eye drop that can reverse or prevent cataract development. Once formed, the only way to restore clear vision is surgical removal.
Signs You May Need Cataract Surgery
Cataracts develop slowly, and many patients do not realize how much their vision has changed until they are evaluated. Common signs that it may be time to consider cataract surgery in Rochester, NY include:
Blurry or Cloudy Vision
Everyday tasks like reading, driving, or watching television become increasingly difficult as the lens grows cloudier over time.
Sensitivity to Light and Glare
Bright lights, headlights, or sunlight may cause significant glare or halos, making nighttime driving especially challenging.
Fading or Yellowing Colors
Colors may appear washed out or take on a yellowish tint, affecting how you perceive the world around you.
Frequent Prescription Changes
Needing new glasses or contacts more often than usual can be a sign that cataracts are affecting the clarity of your lens.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, schedule a consultation with our team. A comprehensive eye exam will determine whether cataract surgery is the right next step for you. Have more questions? Visit our Cataract FAQs page.
Is Cataract Surgery Painful?
One of the most common questions patients ask is whether cataract surgery hurts. The answer is no. Before surgery begins, your eye will be numbed with anesthetic eye drops, and a mild sedative is typically given orally or by IV to help you feel relaxed and comfortable throughout the procedure.
The surgery itself usually takes less than 20 minutes and is performed in an outpatient setting, meaning you go home the same day. Most patients report feeling little to no discomfort during the procedure. After surgery, some mild scratchiness or light sensitivity is normal and typically resolves within a few days.
Cataract surgery is now considered one of the safest and most successful medical procedures performed. Serious complications are extremely rare, and many patients experience vision that is actually better than what they had before their cataracts developed.
What to Expect from Cataract Surgery
Understanding what happens before, during, and after your procedure can help put your mind at ease. Here is a general overview of what to expect:
Before Surgery
Your surgeon will evaluate your eyes, measure your vision, and discuss the best intraocular lens (IOL) option for your lifestyle and visual goals. Learn more about Intraocular Lens (IOL) options and the Light Adjustable Lens.
Day of Surgery
Plan to spend about three hours at the surgery center. Your eye will be prepared with drops for dilation, sterilization, and anesthesia. A mild sedative will be administered and the surgery itself takes less than 20 minutes. You will need a driver to take you home.
The Procedure
Your surgeon will remove the clouded natural lens and replace it with a clear artificial IOL. The Eye Care Center offers advanced options including the Femtosecond Laser for added precision during surgery.
After Surgery
Vision may be blurry or cloudy at first, and the eye may feel scratchy. This is normal and typically improves over the first few days. A new eyeglass prescription will be provided approximately two weeks after surgery.
How Long Is Recovery from Cataract Surgery?
Recovery from cataract surgery is generally quick. Most patients notice improved vision within a day or two of the procedure, and many return to their normal daily activities shortly after. Here is a general timeline of what to expect:
- First 24 to 48 hours: Some blurriness, scratchiness, and light sensitivity are normal. Rest is recommended.
- First week: Most patients see significant improvement. Avoid rubbing your eye, and use prescribed eye drops as directed.
- Two weeks post-surgery: A follow-up visit will be scheduled, and a new eyeglass prescription will be provided if needed.
- One to two months: Full healing is typically complete. Your eyes should be protected from infection and injury throughout this period.
Once removed, cataracts will not grow back. Some patients may later experience a clouding of the capsular bag that holds the IOL. In most cases, a quick, painless laser procedure is used to restore clear vision.
Why Choose The Eye Care Center for Cataract Surgery in Rochester, NY
- Experienced, fellowship-trained surgeons specializing in cataract care
- Advanced technology including the Femtosecond Laser for laser-assisted cataract surgery
- Premium lens options including the Intraocular Lens (IOL) and the Light Adjustable Lens
- Three convenient locations in Macedon, Geneva, and Canandaigua, NY
- Comprehensive pre- and post-operative care under one roof
Ready to See More Clearly? Schedule Your Cataract Consultation Today.
Our team of experienced surgeons is here to guide you through every step of your cataract surgery journey, from evaluation to recovery. Serving Rochester, NY and the Finger Lakes region from three convenient locations.
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