How long will the surgery take?
Cataract surgery is done on an outpatient basis right here at
our own facility.
The actual surgery takes approximately 20 minutes, but like
any surgery, there is some preparation before hand.
After a short
stay in the post-operative recovery area, the patient may return
home within a half-hour following the surgery wearing a bandage
over that eye for one night only. The
patient will be sent home to relax and refrain from strenuous
activity.
The patient
will return the following morning to have the bandage removed
and will be given prescription eye drops
to guard against infection,
along with complete instructions on how to care for your eye.
When will my vision return?
While most patients may have “functional” vision the very next
morning, it takes about 4 weeks for the vision to stabilize.
Visual outcomes depend on what type of implant is inserted.
Discuss implant options with your surgeon to determine which is
right for you or
read more here.
Can I go to any eye doctor for check-ups after the surgery?
Generally, patients return to their surgeon the day after
surgery. However, some patients may have been referred to their
surgeon by their local optometrist and can choose to continue
their post-operative follow ups with their doctor. If the
patient is having any difficulties or doubts, they may contact
the surgeon at anytime.
What about problems driving at night and sensitivity to light?
Yes, but this symptom is often temporary and is rarely
debilitating. After the surgery, some patients complain of a
glare or halo around their peripheral vision mostly at night,
but there are a number of things that the doctor can do to
improve the patient’s vision at night including eye drops or
night driving glasses.
Will I have to have cataract surgery again?
No, once the lens has been replaced, you will never need to have
cataract surgery again. Occasionally after the surgery, scar
tissue may develop over the lens and the doctor may do a simple,
painless, laser to remove the scar tissue. Once this is done, no
further surgery related to your cataracts may be needed.
What is cost of cataract surgery? Will my insurance cover it?
The price of
the cataract procedure depends on medical necessity and the type
of implant used. If it is deemed that the cataracts are affected
your vision, generally, insurances will cover a large portion of
the fees. Most secondary insurances will cover the remaining
surgery charges. Deluxe lens implants will have an upgrade
fee that insurances do not cover. Insurance coverage varies per
patient and policy, which our trained staff would be happy to
assist you with.