CATARACTS - Frequently Asked Questions

HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE A CATARACT?
Awareness of cataracts usually occurs when one's visual clarity decreases. Some people feel their glasses are always dirty or they sense a "film" over the eye. Commonly, the vision is worse in bright lights or when reading. Others may sense an improvement in their near vision, yet feel that driving or distance vision has worsened. Still others may notice halos or glare from bright sunlight or headlights.  Cataracts do NOT cause pain, redness, or infection of the eye.  (In some rare, extremely advanced cases, glaucoma with pain and even visual loss can occur). Cataract symptoms and vision changes may occur slowly over the years; but sometimes they may advance very rapidly. If you notice a marked decrease in vision, you should consult your ophthalmologist, who can determine if, in fact, your problem is due to cataracts.

HOW DID I GET CATARACTS?
Although cataracts can be induced by trauma, certain drugs, and systemic illnesses, most cataracts form as a direct result of the continual growth of the natural lens throughout life.  Cataracts are the most common cause of decreased vision in people over the age of 60.  At least half the people over the age of 65 have cataract changes that affect vision to some degree.

DO I NEED AN OPERATION?
The decision to proceed with surgery is a cooperative one, based on the doctor's recommendation and the patient's assessment of his visual needs.  A cataract should be removed when the patient's lifestyle and daily function is inhibited because of a decrease in vision.  Each patient's visual needs vary. A person requiring vision for driving, working, or hobbies will probably decide to have surgery sooner than someone with lesser visual demands and functional needs. Delaying cataract surgery usually does not harm the eye or alter the ultimate prognosis.  An operation should be performed when you decide you need it to see better. Due to the advances in surgical techniques and improved results since the late 1980's, it is no longer necessary to wait until a cataract matures or "ripens" to perform surgery.

HOW MUCH IS MY ACTIVITY LIMITED BY THE SURGERY?
Fortunately, the advanced techniques used in your cataract surgery place very few limitations on your activity postoperatively.  You MAY bend over, lift reasonable objects, and sleep on either side.  You MAY read or watch television immediately after surgery. You MAY return to desk work, driving a car, shopping, and social activities the day after surgery. You MAY wash your hair 1-3 days after surgery. You will be asked to place a protective shield over the eye at night during the first week and to instill eyedrops as directed.  Avoid excessively strenuous activity and situations where your eye may be poked for the first few weeks. Do not aggressively rub your eye; gentle moist wiping is acceptable.

WHEN DO I RETURN FOR POST-OPERATIVE EXAMS?
The follow-up visits to our office are very important. You will be examined 1-2 days after surgery and then every 4-8 weeks until the eye is healed.  The initial healing process will take about 6-8 weeks and your eyeglass prescription will vary during this time. We recommend waiting until the eye is stabilized to purchase final glasses.

ARE THERE POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS?
Any surgery involves risk, however small.  For that reason, we ask patients to view a movie and read the informed consent form, which explains these risks.  You should know that there are possible complications and no doctor can guarantee any surgical outcome. Fortunately, complications are rare and risks are minimal. The unusual patient who does not improve after cataract and implant surgery usually had a pre-existing cornea, retina, or optic nerve problem that continues to limit vision.  Statistically, 98% of our patients experience a significant improvement in vision.

CONCLUSION
There is little reason to be satisfied with inadequate vision limited by cataracts.  There are more than one million cataract operations performed in our country each year, with over 95% average success rate.  Advances in techniques and microsurgical equipment have made cataract surgery one of medicine's brightest and most successful accomplishments.  Although no guarantees can be made, the overwhelming odds are that your surgery will go well and your vision will be improved.  Each patient's prognosis is individually assessed before surgery.  We welcome any questions you or your friends may have. 

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