Is Cataract Surgery Performed on Both Eyes?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)estimate that 20.5 million Americans have cataracts in one or both eyes. Thankfully, routine cataract surgery can restore vision and improve the overall quality of life. Dr. Daniel J. Tepper has performed laser-assisted cataract surgery on countless people in the greater Chicago, IL area.

Many patients who have cataracts in both eyes ask us if both cataracts can be removed at the same time. The Wicker Park Eye Center team would like to offer some answers about this cataract surgery topic.

What Happens During Cataract Surgery?

During cataract surgery, the clouded lens of the eye is extracted. In its place, a surgeon inserts an intraocular lens (IOL). This artificial lens restores vision quality and allows patients to see clearly once again. Patients will experience restored vision quality soon after the procedure. The IOL will improve your eyesight, and you will not experience the issues with blurry, compromised vision any longer.

Performing Cataract Surgery One Eye at a Time

Even when a patient has cataracts in both eyes, it’s common for surgeons to perform cataract surgery on one eye first. Second cataract surgery will be performed on the other eye not long afterward.

Why Cataract Surgery Isn’t Usually Performed on Both Eyes

After cataract surgery on just a single eye, patients will require some time to heal and to adjust to their eyesight. The procedure is safe and routine, but we want to err on the side of caution to put the patient’s health and comfort first.

To ensure optimal recovery and results, our Chicago eye care specialists usually wait to operate on the second eye. We want to give the first eye enough time to heal and for vision to stabilize before performing another surgery. It’s a simple, common-sense precaution to ensure good vision and eye health.

When Will My Second Eye Be Operated On?

That depends. Usually, we will perform cataract surgery on the second eye a few days to a few weeks after the first surgery has been completed. It varies based on the needs of the patient. We can discuss that with you in greater detail during the consultation process.

Cases in Which Simultaneous Cataract Surgery Is Ideal

If you have cataracts in both eyes and suffer from severe nearsightedness (myopia) as a result of your cataracts, we can perform surgery on both eyes simultaneously.

Again, this needs to be considered on a case-by-case basis. If you are interested in simultaneous cataract surgery, we can determine if it’s ideal for you and go over the various risks and benefits involved.

Discussing Your Cataract Surgery with You

There are many other aspects of cataract surgery we can discuss with patients, including the type of IOL to use and the surgical technique to extract the clouded lens of the eye. We will happily go over all of these topics with you during a visit to our practice.

Learn More About Cataract Surgery

If you live in the Chicago area and would like more information about cataract surgery, be sure to contact a skilled eye doctor and vision correction specialist. You can reach Wicker Park Eye Center by phone above. We look forward hearing from you.