Cataract surgery is indicated when the decrease in your vision affects you on a daily basis making it difficult for you to perform your daily activities. Cataract surgery has evolved into a delicate, sophisticated, and gentle procedure making for a quick recovery.
The techniques, instruments, and lenses used by our cataract surgeons at Denver Eye Surgeons are cutting edge. We like to provide our patients with the same technology that we would offer to our own family member.
Your surgeons at Denver Eye Surgeons have performed thousands of cataract surgeries. We have been Denver’s leading center for over 40 years.
Prior to the procedure, you will undergo some testing to determine which IOL prescription will work best for you and your optical system. The actual surgical procedure usually takes less than 15 minutes. The eye is numbed with anesthetic drops. A very small incision is created in the cornea. Small instruments are placed through the dilated pupil to break up the cataract into many small pieces by ultrasonic vibrations. These pieces are suctioned out. This process is called phacoemulsification. Next, a folded IOL is inserted into the eye through the same small incision. This IOL is then positioned into the eye as it unfolds. This procedure is known as a small incision, clear cornea, no-stitch, phacoemulsification cataract surgery.
Prior to your procedure, we will help you decide which IOL will work best for you. Your options include a standard monofocal IOL which is covered by your insurance as part of your cataract surgery. Patients that want more freedom from glasses have the option to choose an elective premium IOL. Our preoperative discussions with you will help you decide what will work best for you.
The intraocular lens is a foldable lens that slides through a tube like a fruit roll-up and unfolds in the capsular bag. Once the lens is centered, the surgery is complete.
Recovery from cataract surgery is generally very quick. Most patients obtain better vision within the first few days of the procedure. Itching, light sensitivity and mild discomfort are normal after cataract surgery for the first 24 hours.
For a few days after surgery, your doctor will ask you to use eye drops to help to heal and decrease the risk of infection. You will be provided with clear postoperative instructions.
Patients can expect to go back to work within a couple of days following surgery. You will be asked to use a protective shield over your eye at night time for about 1 week to avoid accidental eye rubbing.
You will have several postoperative appointments. Typically, they are done at the 1 day, 1 week, and 3-week interval. In most cases, we will be able to provide you with a new prescription for glasses at the 3- 4 week appointment.
In most cases, healing will be complete within one month. Your doctor will schedule exams to check on your progress. Each person heals differently so it is important to discuss the cataract surgery recovery with your eye doctor.
