What to Expect Before, During, and After Cataract Surgery
Dr. Lawrence Frank, Dr. Seema Gupta & Dr. Theresa Nguyen
We perform cataract surgery at a specialized eye surgery center in Bethesda, Maryland. Upon arrival at the surgery center, an intravenous line is placed in your arm. Drops are placed on the eye to numb it and dilate the pupil. You will then be brought into the operating room, where the skin around your eye will be carefully cleaned and your face covered with a very light, sterile paper drape. You will be given medication through your IV which will make you calm, relaxed, and comfortable. General anesthesia, in which you are completely unconscious, is not used, as it is rarely needed. A tiny instrument is placed to gently hold your eyelids open and a surgical microscope is positioned over your eye. You will see a bright light and are encouraged to look in its direction. A high-tech ultrasonic probe is used to dissolve the cloudy cataract lens, which is then replaced with a crystal clear acrylic lens, such as Toric or ReSTOR IOL. The operation will take approximately 5 to 15 minutes. You will then be taken to the recovery room for approximately 20 minutes, after which you will be ready to go home. Most of our Rockville / Gaithersburg ReSTOR and Toric IOLs patients do not need an eye patch or bandage.
What Is the Recovery Following the Cataract Surgery?
Initially, the eye will feel scratchy and vision will be very blurry. The vision often begins to clear rapidly during the next few days. However, in some cases it may take several weeks to obtain maximum vision. As with any surgery, the healing period will vary depending on the individual characteristics of each cataracts Rockville / Potomac patient.
How Active Can I Be After Cataract Surgery?
In general, you may resume everyday activity such as walking, reading, watching TV, etc. We will advise you when it is safe to drive. It is not unusual to resume driving and return to work two days after cataract surgery; however, this is variable. You should not lift more than 20 pounds for 2 weeks after surgery. Your eye will be examined in the office one day, one week, and one month after surgery. Occasionally, more frequent follow-up visits are needed. Your eyeglass prescription will be different after surgery and will be changed in approximately one month.