How Painful is Cataract Surgery?
Cataract surgery is actually more common than you might think. With over 35 years of experience, and over 65,000 cataract surgery cases performed by surgeons at the Perich Eye Center, we have expertise in the surgical correction of cataracts. Perich Eye experts work with a multi-disciplinary team of specialists who collaborate to provide exactly the care you need. This wouldn't be possible without our world-class facilities. We have performed thousands of cataract surgeries across Tampa and on patients from around the globe.
Considering how many people have cataract surgery may already be putting you at ease, but the question still remains:
How Painful is Cataract Surgery?
The good news is cataract surgery is generally not painful. The surgery to remove your cataracts is very specific. After you arrive at the outpatient surgery center, your doctor will numb your eye with drops or an injection near the eye. Your doctor may also give you a medication to relax, although you are awake for the procedure. Your doctor may also prescribe eye drops to take prior to your surgery to help prevent infection and reduce swelling caused by the procedure.
Your surgeon will make tiny cuts with a laser or a blade near the edge of your cornea, which is the clear covering on the front of your eye. This will enable your surgeon to reach your lens with the cataract and remove it. Next, your surgeon will put a new lens in place.
After your surgeon has replaced the lens of your eye with the new intraocular lens, the so-called self-sealing incisions will close on their own in time. In most cases, you will not need stitches to close the incisions. Your surgeon will then place a shield over your eye to protect it during the healing process. After the surgery you will want to follow all of your doctors instructions very carefully.
Use eye drops exactly as prescribed.
Avoid getting soap or water directly in the eye.
Do not rub your eye or press on it. Your doctor may require you to wear glasses to protect your eye.
Wear a protective shield during sleep.
Refrain from exercise and other activities including driving until your doctor tells you it is safe to resume them.
While it is incredibly important to take special care of your eyes while they are healing, most people will feel no actual pain during this time. Some people say that it feels like there is an eyelash or some dirt in their eyes which is caused by the incisions that are healing. Generally after a week or two this has passed. Each person will have a different experience as the body adapts and adjusts but what we find here at Perich Eye, is that healing will be complete within 4 months. Most people find that they are feeling great and seeing great as well within 2 months.
That doesn’t mean you will have to wait that long to see improvement however. Within a few days of your cataract surgery, you most likely will see improved vision. Many people have an adjustment period where their vision is blurry or foggy as your eyes adjust to the change followed by that clearer vision. What is important to remember is you need to take special care of your eyes for the four months following your cataract surgery. That way your eyes can fully heal without further complications.
You will have follow up appointments to ensure that healing is going well. As always, if you are having prolonged pain, discomfort, or blurriness, it is important to let your doctor know on your follow up appointments. Even if you are feeling great and seeing well, make sure to get the all clear from your doctor and go to your follow up appointment to get the maximum care for your eyes.
What Causes Cataracts?
Everyone’s eyes have a clear lens that is right behind the pupil. This lens filters the light that comes in. It is made up of proteins and over time that protein can have build up that starts to cloud the lens. When too much protein clumps together, your eyesight can become cloudy, blurry, or even cause double vision. This is a slow process that reduces the amount of light coming in all together. Often you won’t notice it until you realize you are squinting more, having a hard time reading small text, or even noticing a glare in the sun or at nighttime when other peoples headlights start to bother you while driving.
These are some of the early signs of cataracts:
Frequent prescription changes: Each year when you have your exam your prescription typically should remain about the same. If you have started to notice over the years that things are getting worse each time you go, this can be a sign that the cataracts are forming.
Corrective lens just aren’t working like they used to: This is similar to the first point. When the lenses in your eye glasses or contacts seen to be less and less affective at getting that crisp clear vision, that protein may be building up causing cataracts. This is often experienced as blurry, foggy, cloudy, or even double vision.
Glare or halos from light: As mentioned above, if you are having problems with glare from the sun during the day or from headlights on cars at night this is a tell tale sign your lenses are getting cloudy behind your pupil. Bright light bulbs can also have a halo effect that just hurts to look at. Any light sensitivity should be mentioned to your Doctor.
Changes in Colors: Since this lens was once clear and is now forming a cloudiness, colors can appear to be more dim, yellow, or dull. The vibrancy can become diluted like constantly being in a cloudy day.
What is the Cost Of Cataract Surgery?
Cataract surgery costs are generally covered by Medicare if a patient is eligible for Medicare benefits. Most private insurance plans also cover cataract surgery.
Medicare will cover surgical costs provided that your vision tests meet a certain criterion of acuity or clarity. Private insurers usually have similar vision standards for qualification. There may be some additional costs even if your surgery is covered by a plan. For example, some special intraocular lenses are typically more expensive. Your procedure will also cost more if you choose to have cataract surgery before your vision has deteriorated enough.
However, if your case meets certain criteria, you may be able to receive coverage before you meet the age or vision requirements. Your ophthalmologist can help you weigh the benefits of early cataract surgery. If you don't qualify for Medicare or private insurance coverage, you may be able to reduce and manage the cost of surgery through a payment plan. Please discuss ways to afford the procedure with your ophthalmologist as well.
What are the Potential Complications of Cataract Surgery?
Cataract surgery like most surgeries entails risks of problems and complications including:
Eye Infection
Bleeding in the eye
Lingering swelling inside the eye or of the front of the eye
Detached Retina
Damage to other parts of the eye
Pain that does not dissipate with over-the-counter medications
Loss of Vision
Dislocation of the intraocular lens that moves it out of position
Further treatment may be required if your vision becomes cloudy or blurry weeks, months or even years after cataract surgery. You surgeon can perform a laser procedure known as a posterior capsulotomy to restore clear vision once again.
At Perich Eye Centers we specialize in the the latest technologies and use premium lenses. Our experience and expertise will give you the best outlook possible when needing cataract surgery. Feel free to contact us today at one of our offices closest to you:
Perich Eye Centers
Open Monday thru Friday 8am-4pm
New Port Richey HQ
727-372-1311
2020 Seven Springs Blvd.
New Port Richey, FL34655
Spring Hill
352-683-1160
5363 Spring Hill Drive
Spring Hill, FL 34606
Tampa
813-963-2020
11809 N. Dale Mabry Hwy.
Tampa, FL 33618
The Villages
352-397-2821
13940 US 441, Bldg 500/Suite 503
The Villages, FL 32159
Wesley Chapel
727-860-8060
2621 Windguard Circle Suite 101
Wesley Chapel, FL 33544
Zephyrhills
813-788-2020
6905 Medical View Lane.
Zephyrhills, FL 33542
