If you have cataracts, there’s a good chance your eye doctor has recommended cataract surgery. Nearly 4 million Americans undergo the procedure each year, but the idea of having an operation can be stressful and leave you feeling worried or uncertain.
At Orange County Cataract and Glaucoma in Santa Ana, California, Anand Bhatt, MD, and our team understand that preparing for cataract surgery can be stressful.
That’s why we’ve created a step-by-step guide, so you know exactly what to expect.
Read on to learn how to prepare, what happens during the procedure itself, and the recovery process.
Cataract surgery doesn’t happen immediately after your diagnosis. To ensure the procedure goes smoothly, Dr. Bhatt completes a series of exams. Specifically, he measures your eyes for intraocular lenses (IOLs) and provides instructions about fasting the night before and the medication you’ll need to take after surgery.
Feel free to speak up and ask questions during your appointment. Understanding the different lens options and types of anesthesia can provide peace of mind and help you feel more confident about the procedure.
Dr. Bhatt performs surgery at Pavilion Surgery Center in Orange, and there is always an MD anesthesiologist and nurses in the room to assist in every case.
Cataract surgery is a quick, outpatient procedure that usually takes 15-30 minutes per eye.
On the day of your procedure, you lie down on an operating table and we numb the surface of your eyes with a topical anesthetic. If you need additional medication to help you relax, we provide that, too. Each cataract surgery we perform includes a medical doctor (MD) anesthesiologist, and nurses who assist throughout the procedure.
After the anesthesia sets in, we make a small incision in your cornea (the surface of your eye) and use special tools to break up the cloudy lens into tiny pieces. We suction out those pieces and then insert a new intraocular lens through the same incision.
The intraocular lens fills the exact space that your natural lens did. Once it’s in position, we cover your eye with a patch to protect it as it heals.
You can return home immediately after cataract surgery, but you’ll need a loved one to drive you home. Don’t go to work for at least 24 hours, and avoid rubbing your eyes. It’s normal to experience mild side effects, such as a gritty feeling, bloodshot eyes, or watery eyes.
Take all medications as prescribed and attend each of your postsurgical checkups with Dr. Bhatt. Most people’s eyes recover within a few weeks, though it may take up to a month for your vision to feel completely normal. It can be tough to stay patient, but studies show that 97% of people who undergo cataract surgery experience improved vision.
If you have cataracts and want to improve your vision, cataract surgery offers a safe and effective treatment option.
Schedule a consultation today by calling our office at 714-541-4185 or using the online booking feature. You’ll be in good hands every step of the way.
