What You Can Expect from Cataract Surgery Submitted by Atlanta Vision Cataract and Laser Center on February 6, 2022

Cataracts are the clouding of your eye’s natural lens. Your eye lens works with your cornea to focus light correctly onto the back of your eye for good vision. Most adults will develop a cataract by the age of 80. Luckily, this eye disease is highly curable, with a 98 percent success rate among cataract surgery patients. Our cataract surgeons at Atlanta Vision Laser and Cataract Center walk you through the process from your evaluation to your follow-up exam. 

Discussing Your Cataract Surgery and IOL Options 

Your cataract(s) may affect your day-to-day life significantly or cause a minor annoyance during specific tasks. While some people wait until the clouded lens causes blurred vision, double vision and other eyesight changes, others choose to have cataract surgery before it progresses. Our eye doctors will explain the cataract procedure whenever you feel it is the best time to restore clear vision. They will perform tests and take measurements to determine the correct focusing power for the intraocular lens implant (IOL) that will replace your natural lens. 

Dr. Leonard Achiron or Dr. David O’Day will explain the various IOL options available. Our Atlanta office offers the traditional monofocal IOL or Premium IOLs that correct refractive errors such as nearsightedness or farsightedness. AcrySof ReStor, Crystalens and Tecnis multifocal IOLs can provide better vision for near, intermediate and far distances.

Toric IOL versions may be available to correct for astigmatism, or our eye doctors can perform limbal relaxing for astigmatism. Astigmatism causes blurry vision at all focal points because the eye is shaped like a football instead of a circular ball. Limbal relaxing involves incisions on both sides of the cornea, which work to relax and flatten the cornea’s curvature for better eyesight. 

Our eye doctors may prescribe eye drop medications prior to cataract surgery to lower your risk of infection and swelling during the procedure and recovery. 

How Cataract Surgery Works 

Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most effective procedures in modern medicine. With advancements in technology, we can offer laser cataract surgery for optimal precision and IOL placement. You are awake during cataract surgery and may see some movement or light, but you won’t be able to see what the cataract surgeon is doing. It’s performed as follows: 

  • The eye is numbed with eye drops or an injection around the eye to block pain. Additional medication to help you relax may be offered. 
  • One of our eye surgeons uses a special microscope and laser to create tiny incisions at the edge of your cornea, with a secondary circular incision in the capsule housing the lens. 
  • The clouded eye lens is broken up and removed in pieces. 
  • Your chosen IOL is placed in the now empty lens capsule for clear vision, along with sharper eyesight if you decide on a premium IOL. 
  • The incisions are self-healing, and an eye shield protects your eye while you recover. 
  • You will likely spend up to 30 minutes in a recovery area then be sent home to rest. A friend or family member will need to drive you home. 
  • Recovering from Cataract Surgery 

    Our eye doctors will detail the recovery process after cataract surgery, including eye drops with specific instructions. Avoid getting soap or water in your eye and do not rub or press against the treated eye. You will wear a protective eye shield to prevent pressure and eye rubbing while you sleep. People typically have blurry vision after cataract surgery. This clears up in a few days, and you will likely be fully recovered around two months after your procedure. 

    Schedule Your Eye Exam in Atlanta

    Contact our eye doctors at Atlanta Vision Laser and Cataract Center to schedule your comprehensive eye exam and learn more about cataract surgery. Call (404) 765-2020 to schedule an appointment with Drs. Achiron and O’Day.

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