Below are answers to common questions about cataracts to help you understand your care and treatment options.
What are cataracts?
A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s naturally clear lens. The lens becomes like a window that is frosted or yellowed. Cataracts are a common cause of vision loss, especially as we age, but they are treatable.
How are cataracts treated?
Once the doctor determines that cataracts are affecting your vision and daily life, surgery may be recommended. Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure where the natural lens is replaced with an intraocular lens implant.
Can cataracts come back after surgery?
Once the natural lens is replaced, cataracts cannot develop again. However, scar tissue can form around the intraocular lens (IOL), causing cloudy vision. This can be treated in our office with a laser.
How long will I be in the surgery center?
Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure. Plan to be on site for approximately three hours on the day of surgery, though the procedure itself lasts 10–15 minutes.
Will I need someone to drive me home after surgery?
Yes. Due to relaxing medications used during surgery, a driver must accompany you home.
When can I drive after surgery?
Many patients can return to driving as soon as the day after surgery, depending on vision and comfort.
Will I need glasses after surgery?
Some patients may only need reading glasses, while others may require mild prescriptions for both distance and reading.
