What to Expect During Your Cataract Evaluation and Surgery

If you’re dealing with cataracts, you are probably looking for a solution that will clarify your vision. Luckily, most cataracts can be effectively treated with cataract surgery, a fast and painless procedure that replaces your cloudy, cataract-affected lens with a clear, artificial lens.

Cataracts develop over time, so the symptoms appear slowly. However, if you’re experiencing hazy or blurred vision, have trouble seeing well at night or in dim lighting, or see halos around headlights, you should visit Apex Eye to determine if you could benefit from cataract surgery.

The Cataract Evaluation

If you’re preparing for cataract surgery, your journey begins with a comprehensive cataract evaluation. This evaluation is designed to assess your eye health, measure all necessary parameters, and discuss your available surgery options. During your visit, your eye doctor will also determine the severity of your cataracts and create a personalized surgical plan. Understanding what to expect during this appointment can help you feel more comfortable and prepared. Here’s an in-depth look at the process:

1. Check-In and Medical History Review

When you arrive, you’ll check in and provide your medical and eye health history. This step is critical because it helps the care team understand any pre-existing conditions, medications you’re taking, or past eye surgeries that could influence your treatment plan. Sharing symptoms like glare, halos, or difficulty seeing at night will also help the team tailor the evaluation to your unique needs.

2. Advanced Eye Testing

Once you’re checked in, you’ll undergo a series of advanced diagnostic tests. These tests are designed to gather precise data about your eyes to ensure the best surgical outcomes:

Topography and Biometry: These tests measure the shape and curvature of your cornea and the length of your eye. This information is essential for selecting the appropriate intraocular lens (IOL) power and optimizing the results of your surgery.
OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography): This non-invasive imaging test provides detailed, cross-sectional views of your retina and optic nerve. By identifying any underlying issues such as macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy, your surgeon can ensure there are no complications that could affect surgery or recovery.
Visual Acuity and Refraction Testing: These tests measure the sharpness of your vision and help pinpoint the degree of correction you’ll need after cataract removal.
Dilated Eye Exam: To get a complete view of your eye’s internal structures, your pupils will be dilated. This allows the surgeon to examine your retina, optic nerve, and other critical components of your eye.

3. Comprehensive Eye Exam and Consultation

Once the testing is complete, you’ll meet with the surgeon for a thorough eye examination and to discuss your cataract surgery options. The surgeon will explain the details of the procedure, answer any questions you may have, and recommend the best IOL based on your vision goals and lifestyle needs. Lens options include:

Monofocal Lenses: Provide clear vision at a single distance, typically for distance vision, requiring glasses for near tasks like reading.
Toric Lenses: Specifically designed to correct astigmatism, these lenses improve clarity across multiple vision ranges.
Multifocal and EDOF (Extended Depth of Focus) Lenses: These lenses provide clear vision at multiple distances, often reducing or eliminating the need for glasses.
Light Adjustable Lenses (LAL): These innovative lenses allow adjustments to your prescription after surgery, offering unmatched precision in vision correction.

4. Scheduling Your Surgery

If you’re ready to move forward with cataract surgery, the care team will help you schedule your procedure. Typically, surgeries are performed on one eye at a time, with the second eye scheduled a few days to weeks later. This approach allows for proper healing and ensures optimal results for each eye.

During this step, you’ll also receive pre-operative instructions, such as stopping certain medications or using prescribed eye drops to prepare for the surgery. The staff will guide you through these preparations and address any concerns.

The Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery is one of the most common and successful procedures performed today. On the day of your surgery, the process is carefully structured to prioritize your comfort, safety, and peace of mind. Here’s a step-by-step guide to what you can expect:

1. Check-In

When you arrive at the surgical center, you’ll check in at the front desk. The staff will confirm your information and go over any necessary details, such as your medical history or surgical plan. If you’ve been prescribed pre-operative eye drops, you may be asked about your adherence to the instructions. This step ensures that everything is in place for a smooth procedure.

2. Pre-Operative Area

Next you will be taken to the pre-operative area, where the care team will begin preparing you for surgery. This includes:

Optional Anxiety Medication: If you’re feeling nervous, you’ll have the option to receive IV medication to help you relax. This is common and ensures you’re calm and comfortable throughout the procedure.
Eye Preparation: A nurse will clean and numb your eye using anesthetic drops. These drops prevent discomfort during the procedure. You may also receive dilating drops to ensure the pupil is wide enough for the surgeon to access the lens.
Transition to Surgery: When it’s time for your procedure, you’ll either walk or be transported in a wheelchair to the operating room.

3. In the Operating Room

Once inside the operating room, the team will take several steps to prepare you for the procedure:

Preparation: You’ll be positioned on a comfortable surgical bed. To ensure your head stays steady, gentle tape or a headrest may be used. This prevents any unintentional movement during surgery.
Eye Cleaning and Draping: The surgical team will clean the area around your eye with a sterile solution to reduce the risk of infection. They will also drape the area, leaving only your operative eye exposed, to create a controlled, sterile environment.
Procedure Confirmation: Before beginning, the surgeon will confirm the details of your procedure with the team. This step ensures accuracy and that everyone is aligned on the surgical plan.

4. During Surgery

The surgery itself is quick and painless, typically lasting only 10-20 minutes. You’ll see a few bright lights and may be asked to focus on one of them. This helps the surgeon keep your eye steady during the procedure. Using advanced techniques, the surgeon will break up and remove the cloudy cataract lens in a precise and minimally invasive process. Finally, once the cataract is removed, the surgeon will insert your chosen IOL, which restores clear vision.

5. Post-Operative Area

After surgery, you’ll be guided to a recovery area where the staff will help you transition smoothly from the procedure. A protective shield will be placed over your eye to keep it safe as it begins to heal, and you will be instructed to wear this shield for the rest of the day and possibly while sleeping for the first few nights.

A nurse will go over your detailed post-operative care instructions, including when to use prescribed eye drops, how to avoid strenuous activities, and what to expect in the coming days. They will also schedule your follow-up visit to ensure your recovery is on track. Most follow-ups occur within 24-48 hours of surgery.

6. Going Home

Once you’re cleared for discharge, you’ll need someone to drive you home, as your vision may still be blurry immediately after the procedure. Most patients report feeling comfortable and notice improvements in their vision within a day or two.

If you’re having cataracts removed from both eyes, your second surgery will usually be scheduled a few days to weeks later. This allows your first eye to heal before proceeding with the second. The exact timing will depend on your surgeon’s recommendations and how your first eye is recovering.

Explore Your Cataract Removal Options at Apex Eye

Cataract surgery is carefully designed to be a smooth and stress-free process, from your initial evaluation to the day of the procedure. At Apex Eye, our team is here to guide you through every step, ensuring you are comfortable and providing the highest quality care.

If you are dealing with cataracts or have started to notice symptoms, schedule your initial evaluation at Apex Eye today. With advanced techniques and personalized attention, we’ll help restore your vision and get you back to seeing clearly in no time.