Cataract surgery seems daunting, particularly if you have never undergone a surgical procedure before.
However, modern cataract surgery is a relatively simple and highly common treatment for cataracts, and when performed by experts using advanced technology it yields exceptional outcomes. Quigley Eye Specialists have offered comprehensive eye care services to the South Florida community for more than 30 years, helping patients preserve and even restore their vision.
If you have been diagnosed with cataracts, it might be only a matter of time before cataract surgery becomes your only option for saving your eyesight.
However, while eye surgery of any kind seems a bit scary, cataract surgery using laser-assisted technology is extremely effective, simple, and it only requires minimal downtime. Here is what you need to know.
Cataract surgery involves the removal of the cataract using a process called phacoemulsification.
This is an ultrasound assisted process that emulsifies the eye lens, allowing the surgeon to gently suction it out of the eye and replace it with a lens implant. While some people might reasonably be a bit squeamish at the thought of a portion of the eye being liquified and sucked away, the procedure is quite simple and, in most cases, only requires eye drops to numb the area before the procedure.
Post-procedure care:
Post-procedure, you will be given a clear shield to cover the eye, and you’ll be required to spend approximately 15 minutes in an on-site recovery room. While you will be sensitive to light and must be driven home, discomfort should be minimal. A significant percentage of patients report clear vision within 24-hours after surgery.
When you arrive home, you will continue to wear the shield for at least a few days while you sleep. It is recommended that you return to the eye care center the following day for an assessment by the surgeon. Side effects sometimes include minor irritation and eye redness, but these typically clear up in about one week.
