I'm Nervous About Cataract Surgery: What Can I Expect?

Cataracts develop when proteins in the eyes break down and form clumps, clouding the lens and changing the way light enters the eye. Cataract surgery replaces the damaged lens with an artificial lens. 

Cataract surgery has been around since the 1700s and has become more advanced over time. Today, Daniel Tepper, MD, and his team at Wicker Park Eye Center in Chicago, Illinois, rely on cataract surgery to restore healthy vision to many of their patients. 

Here, they discuss what you can expect from cataract surgery. 

Cataract surgery is painless

It’s doubtful anyone relishes the idea of someone making an incision in their eye. Having some concerns about cataract surgery is understandable, with pain being the No. 1 worry. 

We’re here to tell you that cataract surgery isn’t a painful experience. Before your procedure, Dr. Tepper uses a local anesthesia to numb your eye. If you’re particularly anxious, he can also prescribe an oral sedative for you to take an hour before your visit to help you relax. 

The procedure doesn’t take long

Dr. Tepper uses a laser to make a small incision in your cornea. Next, he carefully breaks apart your existing lens, which he gently suctions from your eye. That makes room for the new lens. 

Once Dr. Tepper is happy with the position of your new lens, he closes the incision and places a shield over your eye to protect it in the initial healing phase. From start to finish, the procedure usually takes only 10-15 minutes. 

You remain in the office for an additional 15-30 minutes so we can ensure you’re doing well before you head home. 

Your vision will be blurry for a few days after your surgery. You might begin to see more clearly within a few days, but the full results take around a month after your procedure.

If both of your eyes have cataracts, Dr. Tepper performs surgery on only one at a time. Once the first eye heals and you adjust to your new lens, he can perform the same procedure on your other eye. 

You need to follow your recovery instructions

Dr. Tepper and his team provide thorough post-procedure guidelines before you leave the office. Adhering to these guidelines is an essential part of your recovery. 

He’ll likely advise you to avoid heavy lifting, swimming, driving, exercising, and wearing eye makeup for a short period after your procedure. Be sure to use any eye drop medication as prescribed, and avoid getting any irritants in your eyes, such as soap or shampoo. 

Wear your eye shield as advised, and put on sunglasses outside to protect your eyes from ultraviolet rays. Any discomfort you feel after cataract surgery should be minimal, so let Dr. Tepper’s office know if you experience pain, discharge, or vision issues after your procedure. 

Still have questions and concerns?

If you’re still wondering if cataract surgery is the right choice, we’re happy to meet with you to discuss the procedure in more detail. We can also help you understand how your vision might change if you choose to wait or forgo the procedure. 

Contact Wicker Park Eye Center by phone or online today.