Does cataract surgery hurt?

Published in Cataract Pre-Surgery Questions

Does cataract surgery hurt?

It would be extremely unusual for a patient to say in a follow-up visit that cataract removal hurt.  It has happened over my 25 years … but I could count the number of times on one hand.

By far the most common discomfort is a scratchy feeling that often persists for a couple of months post-surgery.

Most folks that reported that they experienced discomfort during the procedure say that it was an anesthetic issue … not enough or perhaps too long between drops and surgery.  This was quickly rectified with increased

anesthetic.

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Are there needles used in cataract surgery?

Published in Cataract Pre-Surgery Questions

Are there needles used in cataract surgery?

This is a common concern for folks as we discuss how the procedure is done.   It is extremely unlikely that needle would be required for the procedure.   Eye drops are used to numb the eye and dilated the pupil prior to surgery.

In rare circumstance, the only needle that is used is to place anesthetic behind the eyeball so that it temporary paralysis the eye muscles.

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Are both eyes done at the same time?

Published in Cataract Pre-Surgery Questions

Are both eyes done at the same time?

Bilateral surgery varies by regional / surgeon.  In my area – Ontario Canada – it would be highly unusual to have bilateral cataract removal surgery.

This is done primarily to minimize infection risk.  Also, you will be patched for a short time after surgery as well.  Bilateral surgery would mean no sight or independence during this time.

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Why am I am feeling dizzy after cataract surgery?

Published in Cataract Post-Surgery Questions

Why am I am feeling dizzy after cataract surgery?

There a couple of reasons why patients report feeling dizzy after cataract surgery

#1 – If only one eye is done, there can be significant imbalance in prescription and image quality

#2 – You may have prism or correction that is not fixed with cataract surgery.  You may be frustrated until you get your new glasses!

#3 – You are used to the distortion that your old glasses induce.  Post cataract surgery, you suddenly do not need distance glasses (no distortion).  It can take a while for your brain to adapt.

#4 – You may need to adjust from seeing well up close to now seeing well in the distance

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I am scared of seeing a knife! Can I see what is happening?

Published in Cataract Pre-Surgery Questions

I am scared of seeing a knife!  Can I see what is happening?

There is so much light flooding you and the operating suite plus... they are working so close to your face… you will not see anything.

You will hear the team … but not see the procedure happening.

Lots of folks are very queasy when it comes to their eyes.  When they come back after surgery... it is always "Well that was not so bad!"

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How long does cataract surgery take? They put you out right?

Published in Cataract Pre-Surgery Questions

How long does cataract surgery take?   Is it under general anesthetic?

Typical, uncomplicated cataract surgery will take about 10 minutes to perform.  However, with preparation and waiting, most patients are at the surgery centre for several hours.  

General anesthetic will not be used unless there are special circumstances.  The anesthesiologist may give you some medication to relax.

Cataract removal is day surgery and you will not be admitted to a hospital unless something very unexpected was to happen. 

Lots of folks are very queazy when it comes to their eyes.  When they come back after surgery... it is always "Well that was not so bad!"

 

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I only see well from one eye – I am scared of having any surgery to my good eye!

Published in Cataract Pre-Surgery Questions

I only see well from one eye – I am scared of having any surgery to my good eye!

Having poor vision in one eye due to injury or lazy eye (amblyopia) certainly increases the anxiety of having cataract surgery.   I typically advise to wait until surgery to the ‘good’ eye absolutely needed (e.g. driving requirement).

Obviously, the actual procedure has no more risk that normal… it is the understandable anxiety that needs to be added into the equation as to when to do the cataract removal.

Sometimes there is an argument to do cataract surgery in a poorly seeing (amblyopic) eye.  If your prescription ended up very different between your two eyes post-surgery… this can introduce perceptual, vertigo and balance issues.  It depended how much the poorly seeing eye was actually being used vs. suppressed pre-surgery.

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Can I go blind from cataracts or cataract surgery?

Published in Cataract Pre-Surgery Questions

Can I go blind from cataracts?

Not all cataracts progress to completely limit sight.  However cataracts often progress to a level that severely limits daily functions like driving, reading and watching TV.  It is loss of this functional vision that motivates even the most nervous folks to proceed with cataract surgery.

I tell patients that if they had to choose something wrong with their eyes... cataracts are the best choice.  Cataracts are 'easy' to fix compared to most other eye health issues.  Results from cataract surgery are very predicable and successful.

 

Can I go blind from cataract surgery?

As with any surgery, you will discuss all risks with your surgeon’s team prior to you agreeing to proceed with surgery. 

The most serious complication of cataract removal that will be discussed is endophthalmitis.  This is an infection inside the eyeball and can be sight threatening.   In thousands of cataract surgery co-managements, I have never seen this in my practice but it certainly will be discussed as a risk.

The most common complications that I see are: Increased eye pressure (treated with drops), retinal inflammation (treated with time and/or drops) and foreign body sensation (treated with drops and time).

 

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