Cataract Frequently asked
questions:
Here are some of the most common questions patients have about cataract surgery. As always,
consult with your doctor regarding any questions you have about your vision or
cataract surgery.
For specific questions about the AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL, please read the AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL
FAQ.
back to top
Is surgery the only option to
treat a cataract?
Just because you have a cataract does not mean that you
have to have it removed. Cataract surgery only becomes necessary if you are not
happy with your vision and want to see better. Talk to your doctor if you have
any questions or concerns about your vision.
back to top
Does cataract surgery hurt?
Thanks to
numbing drops and medications to help you relax, this procedure involves minimal
discomfort.
back to top
Will I be asleep during cataract
surgery?
Since this procedure does not take very long, it is unnecessary
to put you completely asleep with general anesthesia
Anesthesia: Medication that eliminates or reduces pain for
surgical procedures. Local or regional anesthesia numbs only a certain
area. . Instead, your
surgeon will use a local/topical anesthetic to numb your eye and you will remain
awake during the surgery.
back to top
Who performs the procedure, a surgeon or
a technician?
A surgeon will perform the procedure. There will be a
technician and nurse in the room to assist them.
back to top
I have cataracts in both eyes. Will
the doctor treat both at the same time?
Typically, doctors will perform
surgery in the second eye two or three weeks after the first eye. All patients
are different, so talk to your doctor about what is right for you.
back to top
How long will I be in the
hospital?
Patients commonly spend only a few hours at the hospital or
surgery center, and are allowed to go home the very same day.
back to top
How long before I can see after
surgery?
Every patient and every eye is different, but patients commonly
see well enough to drive the day after surgery. Ask your doctor how quickly he
or she expects you to recover.
back to top
How long until I can return
to normal activities?
Most patients can resume normal basic activities
like reading and watching TV by the next day, and return to work within two to
seven days. Doctors typically recommend against any strenuous activity for two
or more weeks. However, results vary for different patients, so you should ask
your doctor what is best for you.
back to top
After surgery, will I be able to drive
at night?
Your ability to drive at night should be much enhanced once
your cataract is removed. Patients with the AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL may
notice a ring of light around headlights and other point-light sources. These
are typically mild, rarely bothersome, and tend to diminish with time.
back to top
Will I need glasses after cataract
surgery?
It depends on what type of intraocular lens you elect to have
implanted. Most patients do not need glasses or contacts for distance tasks
following cataract surgery with a traditional monofocal
IOL
Monofocal IOL: An intraocular lens that provides patients
with only one focal point. Most commonly, these lenses correct only for distance
vision. , but still rely on
reading glasses for near tasks. However, in the clinical trials, four out of
five AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL patients reported never wearing glasses for distance,
intermediate or near tasks after their surgery.
back to top
Can my cataract come
back?
No, once a cataract has been removed it cannot return. However,
over time, patients may complain that their vision has once again become cloudy.
This sometimes-common condition, which may occur with any type of IOL, is known
as a secondary cataract or "PCO." Secondary cataracts can be easily treated by a
simple laser procedure performed in the office.
back to top
Are there any side effects? Anything I
won't like?
There is a chance that you will experience halos
Halos: A circular flare or hazy ring that may appear around
a headlight or other lighted object. or glare in your vision, but this
is uncommon and usually goes away in time. Your intermediate (in-between) vision
may not be as crisp as you near and distance vision, but four out of five
AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL patients in the clinical study reported
never needing glasses following cataract surgery in both eyes. As with any
surgical procedure, there are risks. You and your doctor should consider the
potential risks and benefits, and determine if the AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL is right
for you.
back to top
Can the lens be replaced if it doesn't
work?
Although this would be unlikely, the IOL can be replaced with a
different one if needed. Ask your surgeon how they would handle this
situation.
back to top
Any precautions after
surgery?
Every patient is different, so be sure to ask your doctor for
advice on caring for your eye after the procedure. Your doctor may ask you to
refrain from rubbing your eye or engaging in any strenuous activity for a few
weeks after surgery.
back to top
Who do I call if I have a problem?
Consult your doctor immediately if you have any problems, especially if
you experience decreased vision or pain.
back to top |
