Cataract Surgery

What is a cataract?

A cataract develops when the lens of your eye becomes clouded over. This condition interferes with your ability to see clearly because the lens cloudiness blocks light that helps you focus.

Cataracts can affect one or both of your eyes and are the result of the natural aging process.

What are the symptoms of a cataract?

In the earliest stages of a cataract, you may notice you are increasingly bothered by glare from the sun or lights. Colors may appear less bright than normal.

Other common symptoms of a cataract include:

• Foggy vision
• Fuzzy vision
• Double vision

Even with prescription glasses or contacts, you may notice your vision isn’t very clear most of the time.

When any of these issues begin affecting you, you must schedule a diagnostic evaluation at Astorino & Associates Eye Center as soon as possible. Your provider can confirm cataracts during a routine exam and decide if cataract surgery is needed.

How does cataract surgery fix my vision?

In many cases, you may gain improvement in your vision with a change in your glasses or contacts prescription. However, if the lens of your eye is severely cloudy, and you can’t work or go about your usual routine, you may need cataract surgery.

Your provider may also recommend surgery if you’re receiving treatment for another eye condition, and a cataract interferes with your ophthalmic exam.

Cataract surgery involves removing the cloudy lenses from your eyes and replacing them with a clear implant, known as an intraocular lens (IOL). IOLs help focus light on the back of your eye to help you see clearly. Your provider inserts the permanent lens into your eye, and you won’t be able to see or feel it. Many premium IOLs are available, including Alcon PanOptix®, a high-grade, trifocal lens.

As an outpatient procedure, cataract surgery requires only small incisions to remove and insert the lenses. While you can go home to rest after the treatment, you will need a friend or family member to drive you.

What can I expect after cataract surgery?

Your provider may prescribe antibiotic drops to prevent infection, and your eyes begin healing soon after surgery. It’s common for your eyes to feel itchy and uncomfortable, but you must not rub them or put pressure on your eyes.

Initially, you may still have blurry vision, which continues to clear in the days after surgery. In addition to sharper vision, you also notice that colors are more vibrant.

You can expect to return to Astorino & Associates Eye Center for follow-up visits, so your provider can monitor your healing progress and evaluate your vision.

If you have concerns about blurry vision or noticeable cataracts, schedule a consultation at Astorino & Associates Eye Center today by phone or with the online booking feature.