Frequently asked questions

Cataracts | How to apply eye drops

What is a lens implant?
A lens implant (intraocular lens or IOL) is a man-made, clear plastic lens approximately 6 mm in diameter which is placed inside the eye at the time the cataract is removed. It replaces the natural lens and remains permanently within the eye. The lens has small spring-like arms called haptics that prevent the lens from moving out of place.

What is a "secondary implant"?
If a person has a cataract removed without lens implantation, the vision is corrected with cataract eye glasses or a contact lens. If neither can be tolerated, it is often helpful to put an implant in the eye even years after the cataract is removed. In such an instance, the implant used is called a "secondary implant."

Is a laser used to perform cataract surgery?
No. A laser cannot be used to remove a cataract. The laser is often confused with an instrument called a phacoemulsifier, which uses high frequency sound waves to gently dissolve the cataract during surgical removal. A laser is often used after surgery to improve vision if the clear capsular membrane purposefully retained during cataract removal becomes cloudy.

Can I have an implant if I have glaucoma?
Yes. It is usually safe to put a lens implant in an eye with glaucoma. The presence of an implant in the eye does not make the glaucoma worse.

Is it possible that an implant will not be put into my eye during cataract surgery even though I was told to expect one?
Yes, occasionally the surgeon will use their best judgement at the time of surgery in determining whether an implant should be put in the eye. Even if an implant is not put in during the cataract operation, it is possible, in some cases, to put one in at a later date.

Will I need to continue to use my glaucoma medications after cataract surgery?
Yes.

Is the implant put into my eye at the same time my cataract is removed?
Yes.

Will both of my eyes be operated on at the same time?
Not usually. It is best to do one eye at a time, so that you always have the use of one of your eyes while the other one heals. The second eye can be operated on later.

Do I need to stop taking aspirin, coumadin, or other blood-thinners before surgery?
In many cases, yes. Aspirin and other blood-thinners prevent your blood from clotting. It is important that you tell the surgeon or his/her staff that you are taking these medications. Your surgeon will decide whether you have to stop it before surgery. Your surgeon will coordinate with your internist before stopping any medications. One or two days after surgery, you may resume taking them based on your physician's recommendation.

Should I continue other medications until the date of surgery?
Yes. Medicines that you may be taking for conditions such as high blood pressure should be continued until the date of surgery. It is important to tell the surgeon or his/her staff all the medicines you are using so that you can be advised appropriately. Diabetic patients should confirm insulin dosage with their physician.

How will I feel and what should I do during the operation?
You will feel comfortable during surgery. You may be awake or slightly drowsy and might hear some unfamiliar sounds. If there is something that you find uncomfortable, you will be able to tell your surgeon about it through the drapes over your head. Your greatest contribution to the success of the surgery will be to relax and remain quiet.

How long will the surgery take?
This varies but usually takes from 20-45 minutes for a typical case.

How will I feel immediately after surgery?
You may be a little drowsy and may not remember much about the operation or you may be quite awake and alert. This partly depends on the type of medication that was used to make you drowsy before the operation. After surgery, most patients are surprised at how easy the whole experience was.

What can I do immediately after surgery?
You may eat and drink, sit up in a chair, and also walk and go to the bathroom with assistance.

Will there be stitches in my eye after surgery?
Yes, depending on the type of surgery and the size of the opening required, one or more stitches are generally used to close the opening made by your surgeon. However, the stitches can not be felt. In some cases, the cataract can be removed and a new intraocular lens may be implanted and securely placed without stitches.

Will the stitches have to come out?
Usually not. The stitches are made of a special material that does not require removal. Occasionally after your eye has healed, a stitch may become loose and produce a slight irritation of the eye. It can then be easily and painlessly removed in your doctor's office.

Sometimes, a few weeks after surgery, your surgeon may cut some stitches to give the eye a better shape. This, too, is completely painless and is done in your doctor's office.

Will my vision be perfectly clear immediately after surgery?
Often not. It takes several weeks for the opening in the eye, which was made to remove the cataract, to fully heal. Most people see very well soon after surgery. Your best vision requires complete healing of 1-3 months.

How soon after surgery may I use the operated eye?
The next day. There is no harm in using it for almost any visual task.

What will my eye feel like during the first few days after surgery?
It is normal for you to feel some minor irritation for a few days to a few weeks after surgery. As the tissues of the eye heal, this foreign body sensation will diminish and finally disappear.

What about physical activity after surgery?
Due to advances in surgical technique, your physical activity after cataract surgery is not as restricted as it was in the past. There is no restriction on regular activities such as walking, riding, or shopping. You should avoid lifting heavy objects, bending over so that your head is below the level of your waist, jogging or doing other vigorous physical exercise until permitted by your surgeon.

Can I rub or press my eye after cataract surgery?
No, not for at least six weeks.

When can I shower and wash my hair?
You may take a shower from the neck down right after surgery. It is important that soap and shampoo do not contact the operated eye. This will help avoid irritation of the eye. During this time, a family member, a friend, or your hair dresser can wash your hair while you are lying back, but you should wear your metal shield and an eye pad over the operated eye. After one week you can resume normal showering and shampooing.

Will I have to wear eyeglasses after surgery?
Even though an implant has been placed in the eye, eyeglasses are usually needed to help refine your vision and make it clear. The eyeglasses you may need may have thin lenses and will not be like the thick "coke bottle" glasses which people used to wear years ago when implants were not used. If you wear eyeglasses now, you will probably need to change the lens over the operated eye a few weeks after surgery.

When can I resume my driving?
Since the vision in the unoperated eye varies from one patient to another, it is best to ask your surgeon what is appropriate for you. However, if the vision is good in this eye, you will likely he able to drive several days after surgery.

When can I go back to work?
This depends on the type of work you do. If you have a desk job, you may return to work within a few days. If you have a job that involves lifting heavy objects, you may wait between 1 to 4 weeks.