Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure, and usually takes approximately 7-10 minutes to perform. A relaxing sedative is given through an IV line, and the eye is anesthetized and dilated with drops. The sedative allows you to be awake, but relaxed during surgery. Your clouded natural lens will be removed, and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens implant.

Cataract Surgery being performed

The most common procedure is called phacoemulsification, which utilizes a small incision (3mm) to access the cataract. The incision is made in the sclera (scleral tunnel) or the cornea (clear cornea) and usually requires no stitches. A probe is inserted which uses ultrasound waves to break up (emulsify) the cataract , then vacuum suction to remove the fragments. An implant made of plastic, acrylic or silicone will then be positioned in the eye. These implants come in many different powers and designs, including multifocal (distance and near vision) and toric (corrects astigmatism).

Most patients are able to resume normal activity within a day or two of surgery, and are seen by the surgeon for post-operative visits on day 1, and given any necessary glasses prescription at one month. Multiple eye drops are used to treat inflammation and prevent infection. You may notice some mild discomfort for a few days following surgery.

If you experience vision loss, persistent pain, increased redness, flashes, floaters or nausea after surgery, contact your surgeon immediately. If they are not available, seek medical care.

The implant often provides you with a reduced amount of total prescription, however glasses can be necessary after surgery for clear near and/or distance vision. Contact lenses are another option after cataract surgery. If you have cataracts in both eyes, the second cataract may be removed weeks or months later.

Cataract surgery is very safe and effective, but is only performed when necessary to improve vision. Your surgeon will help you understand the risks and benefits involved, and allow you to decide if surgery is the right choice for you.

If you are interested in Eye Associates of Colorado Springs surgeons performing Cataract surgery for you please feel free to use our online Cataract Surgery Forms. The Cataract Surgery Forms are here to help you determine your need basis for cataract surgery and to inform you of steps to take before and after your cataract has been removed by our board certified surgeons.