Traditional Cataract Surgery

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. All procedures are performed on an out-patient basis, allowing you to go home after a short stay in one of our recovery rooms. Throughout the procedure, you will be awake but sedated. Many describe this experience as being in a dream state.

During the operation, an ophthalmologist makes incisions in your eye using a precise blade. An ultrasonic probe is then used to break up the cataract in your eye and the pieces are removed through the incisions. An artificial lens is then inserted into your eye where the cataract was. This new lens has a fixed focus --meaning it works best at one range. These are called a monofocal lenses.

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 bi-focals to see both close-up and reduce astigmatism, which can make distance vision blurry or cause halos at night.

Recovery from cataract surgery is generally very fast and is based on your general 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. It is very effective and safe.