FAQs About Cataracts, Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery is one of the most frequently performed surgeries in the U.S. Cataracts are common in people over age 65. With the frequency of cataract surgery around the U.S. and with the aging of the U.S. population, we share here some frequently asked questions—FAQs—about cataract surgery. The information is from the National Eye Institute and the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

  1. What is a cataract?

A cataract is a clouding of the lens that makes your vision worse. The clouding develops as you age.

  1. What are the symptoms of a cataract? When should I see a doctor?

The symptoms of a cataract include cloudy or blurry vision, difficulty driving at night, glare, and frequent changes to your glasses or contact lens prescription. See your doctor when these symptoms affect your daily routine.

  1. How is a cataract treated?

A cataract surgeon will treat your cataract by removing your cloudy lens and replacing it with a newer, artificial lens called an intraocular lens. Most patients stay awake during surgery but are given something to help them relax. Surgeons use state-of-the-art technology to help with this process. Some surgeons also use lasers during certain steps of surgery.

  1. Do cataracts affect one eye or both eyes?

The severity of the cataract varies greatly. Some patients may have cataracts severe enough to require surgery in both eyes. In the U.S., most surgeons will schedule those surgeries a few weeks apart instead of doing them at the same time. Other times, you may have a cataract that requires surgery in only one eye.

  1. What will my vision be like after cataract surgery?

While cataract removal won’t make your vision like it was at age 20, you should definitely notice an improvement in how you are able to see. You may have to make some compromise with your vision, such as better distance vision while still requiring reading glasses for near tasks. Your doctor will work with you to find the best lens type for your work and hobbies.

Some patients consider cataract surgery life-changing because they didn’t realize until surgery how much the cataract had clouded their vision.

  1. Do I need to do anything special to prepare for surgery?

Sometimes, surgeons will treat dry eye before surgery so you have a healthier ocular surface. This could require the use of certain eye drops and other treatments. Dry eye treatment will help increase the chances of a successful surgery.

You will likely have to use certain eye drops in preparation for surgery. You probably will also have to avoid eating for several hours before surgery.

  1. My friend got a new kind of lens during cataract surgery and she sees great. Can I get that kind of lens?

You may or may not qualify for the same lens that your friend has. Everyone’s visual needs are different. There are a variety of intraocular lenses that help patients see better after cataract surgery. There are so-called “standard” lenses that Medicare will pay for, and there are “premium” lenses that require you to pay more out of pocket. These lens are tailored to your vision and any astigmatism you may have.

  1. Is there any way to prevent cataracts?

Wear sunglasses, eat a healthy diet, and avoid smoking. These choices won’t always help you avoid cataracts, but they can certainly help.

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