Cataracts

Modern cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed procedures in the world and provides excellent results. For safety, our surgeons only operate on one eye at a time, even though cataracts may be present in both.

This is an outpatient procedure, allowing you to go home after a short stay in one of our recovery rooms. Throughout the operation, you will be awake but sedated. Many describe the experience as being in a dream state.

The procedure itself uses an ultrasonic probe to break up the cataract, and the pieces are removed through incisions. An artificial lens is then inserted where the cataract was. This new lens, called monofocal, has a fixed focus, meaning it works best at one range.

Doctors usually recommend that you get a lens for distance vision to make driving easier. Because of normal aging to your eye, this means that you will likely need reading glasses to correct your near vision, or bifocals to see close up and reduce astigmatism (which can make distance vision blurry or cause halos at night).

Recovery from cataract surgery is usually fast, depending on your overall health, the condition of your eye, and how developed your cataract is. During the first week you may notice a dramatic improvement in your eyesight, but final vision may not occur until a month or more.

This traditional type of cataract surgery is covered by private insurance or Medicare, with minimum out-of-pocket expenses to the patient. And it is very effective and safe.

Questions? Email us at cataract@urmc.rochester.edu.