Cataract Surgery FAQs
Cataract surgery is one of the most common and effective procedures to restore vision clarity and improve quality of life. Whether you’re just starting to notice changes in your eyesight or have already been diagnosed with cataracts, it’s natural to have questions about your options, the procedure itself, and what to expect. Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we receive about cataract surgery, helping you make informed decisions about your eye health and vision care.
Do I need cataract surgery?
Cataracts occur as a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, the part of the eye responsible for focusing light and producing clear, sharp images. Early symptoms of a cataract are trouble with night driving or reading small print, difficulty watching TV and decreased color in your vision. When these symptoms begin impacting your daily routine, a cataract consultation with Dr. Carlson will confirm whether or not your cataract is mature enough for surgical removal and if you are a candidate for options such as femtosecond laser and a premium lens in conjunction with cataract surgery. This surgery is done as an outpatient procedure with very little downtime and almost immediate improvement in your vision.
What options do you offer in conjunction with cataract surgery?
The options associated with cataract surgery, which you may or may not be a candidate for, are femtosecond laser or Toric lens implant for treatment of astigmatism, Technis Odyssey™, Panoptix® Pro or IQ Vivity® premium lenses to correct near and far vision, or RxSight® Light Adjustable Lens™ to customize vision after surgery. An iStent® or Xen® shunt for treatment of mild to moderate glaucoma may also be an option.
What exactly is a cataract and how does it affect my vision?
Cataracts are a clouding of the natural crystalline lens in your eye. As the lens clouds on everyone with age, your vision becomes blurry . The blurry vision may even affect your color perception and cause night time vision difficulties.
How do I know if I'm ready for cataract surgery?
You are ready for cataract surgery when your vision affects your day-to-day activities at home or at work. The vision from the cataract clouding will cause frustration for you throughout the day.
What are the different types of replacement lenses available?
There are many options for cataract replacement lenses. A standard, typical lens will clear up the cloudy cataract vision but will need glasses correction to get best vision. An astigmatism correcting lens can give better distance vision without glasses. An extended depth of focus lens can give distance, computer and reading vision in most people. Some lenses are customizable after surgery to improve distance vision with an in office light procedure.
Will Medicare or my insurance cover cataract surgery in Minnesota?
Medicare covers standard cataract surgery with a standard lens at its normal 80/20% rate.
Does my insurance cover femtosecond laser and premium lens?
No. Neither Medicare nor private insurance companies cover the options of femtosecond laser for the treatment of pre-existing astigmatism nor premium lens implants that treat presbyopia. These are conditions that insurance companies do not cover.
How long is the recovery period after surgery?
Full recovery to new glasses prescription after surgery is 3 to 4 weeks. However, vision is usually filmy and foggy for the first week and continually improves.
What are the risks and potential complications?
The main risks of the surgery are the same as any surgery- hemorrhage, infection and swelling. These are uncommon but can lead to significant visual loss and blindness. These and other risks need to be considered in the timing of surgery for every individual.
How do I choose the right surgeon or eye care center in Minnesota?
Usually your primary medical or eye clinic is a good place to start in the process of selecting an ophthalmologist for surgery. In addition, credentials such as board certification are helpful.
Is cataract surgery painful?
No, cataract surgery is usually not painful However, headaches and eye irritation are common in the first postoperative days.
Will I still need glasses after surgery?
Yes, no lens can eliminate glasses in all instances. Most people, despite the lens that they choose, may need some kind of glasses for some specific activity.
How long does the actual procedure take?
The usual procedure take 15 to 20 minutes. It can be longer if extra devices and equipment is used.
Are both eyes treated at the same time?
No, because of the small risk of blindness.
What restrictions will I have after surgery?
Very few, no heavy lifting, nothing that would directly hit the eye and nothing that would directly contaminate the eye.
How soon can I drive after the procedure?
Because only one eye is done at a time, you can usually drive the day after surgery after the surgical sedation is worn off.
What are the signs of complications I should watch for?
Severe loss of vision, Severe pain or swelling.
How long do replacement lenses last?
Modern lenses are expected to last a lifetime.