5 Frequently Asked Questions About Cataract Surgery
If your cataracts are beginning to interfere with your quality of life, your doctor may have suggested cataract surgery. Cataract surgery is a common procedure to remove your cataracts permanently, and it can be a life-changing procedure for those who suffer from bad cataracts. But many people have questions before they decide to have surgery. Here are just a few of them answered.
How Is It Performed?
Cataract surgery is performed without general anesthesia. The patient is awake, but their eyes are numbed with eye drops and they are given a sedative to help them relax. Once the eyes are numb, the surgeon makes an incision in the eye and breaks up the cataract with a very fine laser or ultrasonic instrument before using suction to remove the broken-up pieces. Once that’s done, the crystalline lens is replaced with an IOL— an intraocular lens, which is an artificial lens that replaces the lens that was just removed. After that, your doctor will let you rest and recover for a few minutes and then you can go home that same day.
Is It Risky?
All surgeries carry some amount of risk. But cataract surgery is one of the most common surgeries in the United States and your surgeon at the Pinke Eye Center will have performed it many, many times. The chances of anything going wrong are very low. If you’re worried, be sure to pick an experienced surgeon and ask plenty of questions. Your doctor will tell you everything you need to know and exactly what the risks are if you just ask.
Is It Expensive?
Cataract surgery is not a cheap procedure, but it is usually covered by most health insurances including Medicare. For many people, cataract surgery is a necessary procedure when their cataracts hinder their ability to see and perform everyday tasks so healthcare plans tend to cover it. However, most healthcare plans typically only cover standard IOLs. Premium IOLs can be a bit pricey but may be worth it as they can correct your vision without the need for glasses after surgery.
Will I Need Glasses Afterwards?
You probably won’t have to wear glasses full-time after surgery, but if you get a standard IOL you may need reading glasses, and in rare cases, you may need full-time glasses to correct nearsightedness or farsightedness. Premium and multifocal IOLs may eliminate that need. Be sure to talk to your doctor about your needs and your options before you get surgery.
Can Your Cataract “Grow” Back?
The short answer: no. Your cataracts cannot grow back. However, there is something referred to as a “secondary cataract” that may form around your artificial lens. This kind of cataract can be easily dealt with by a simple laser procedure, however, which can be performed in fifteen minutes in a doctor’s office.
Considering cataract surgery? Learn more by contacting Pinke Eye Center today to schedule a consultation.
