What is the Best Cataract Surgery Option?

Cataract surgery is one of the most common eye surgeries in the world and is considered safe and effective. It is a procedure to remove the lens from the eye and, in most cases, replace it with an artificial lens. Traditional cataract surgery, also known as phacoemulsification, is the most common method for performing cataract surgery. However, laser-assisted cataract surgery is the latest and most advanced method for performing cataract surgery and many eye doctors prefer it to traditional cataract surgery as a pre-treatment to “soften the cataracts”.

When deciding which type of cataract surgery is best for you, it all comes down to what you want in terms of improving your eyesight and your lifestyle. If you're comfortable wearing eyeglasses after cataract surgery, a monofocal lens may be the right choice. If you want to avoid wearing distance glasses after cataract surgery and you have astigmatism, a toric lens might be appropriate. A corrective lens for presbyopia may be the best option if you want to avoid wearing distance and reading glasses after cataract surgery.

Cataracts can cause blurred vision and increase the glare of lights. If a cataract makes it difficult for you to do your normal activities, your doctor may suggest cataract surgery. When a cataract interferes with treatment for another eye problem, cataract surgery may be recommended. For example, doctors may recommend cataract surgery if a cataract makes it difficult for the eye doctor to examine the back of the eye to control or treat other eye problems, such as age-related macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy.Before having cataract surgery, you may be told not to eat or drink anything 12 hours before the procedure.

Your doctor may also recommend that you temporarily stop taking any medications that may increase the risk of bleeding during the procedure. Tell your doctor if you are taking any medications for prostate problems, as some of these medications may interfere with cataract surgery.Almost everyone who undergoes cataract surgery will have intraocular lenses. These lenses improve vision by focusing light on the back of the eye. You won't be able to see or feel the lens.

It requires no care and becomes a permanent part of the eye.

Phacoemulsification: The Most Common Type of Cataract Surgery

During phacoemulsification, the most common type of cataract surgery, the tip of the ultrasound probe, which vibrates rapidly, emulsifies and helps break up the cataract, which the surgeon then sucks out (top). An outer shell of the cataract (the lens capsule) is usually left in place. After removing the emulsified material, the surgeon inserts the lens implant into the empty space inside the capsule where the natural lens used to be (below). Cataract surgery usually takes an hour or less to perform.

Recovery After Cataract Surgery

After cataract surgery, expect your vision to begin to improve within a few days.

Your vision may be blurred at first as your eye heals and adapts. Most people need eyeglasses, at least some of the time, after cataract surgery. Your doctor will let you know when your eyes have healed enough so that you can get a definitive prescription for eyeglasses. This usually happens one to three months after surgery.Cataract surgery successfully restores vision for most people who undergo the procedure.

Complications after cataract surgery are rare and most can be treated successfully. The risk of complications is higher if you have another eye disease or a serious medical condition. Occasionally, cataract surgery doesn't improve vision due to underlying eye damage caused by other conditions, such as glaucoma or macular degeneration.

Secondary Cataracts After Surgery

People who have had cataract surgery may develop a secondary cataract known as posterior capsule opacification (PCO).

This occurs when the back of the lens capsule becomes opaque and affects vision.

My Favorite Lens Implants for Cataract Surgery

As an expert in ophthalmology and optometry I'm often asked which type of lens implant is best for patients undergoing cataract surgery. Today I'm going to share with you my favorite lens implants for this procedure: Monofocal Lens Implant — Envista Trifocal Lens Implant by Bausch & Lomb — Synergy and Panoptix — and how they work. I'll also discuss who might be a good candidate for each type of implant and how they can help improve your vision after cataract surgery.Monofocal lenses are designed to provide clear vision at one distance only — either far away or up close — but not both at once. They are ideal for people who don't mind wearing glasses for reading or other activities that require near vision correction.

Monofocal lenses are also good for people who don't have astigmatism.Toric lenses are designed specifically for people with astigmatism who want clear vision at all distances without glasses after their procedure. Toric lenses are designed with two different powers that correct astigmatism while providing clear vision at all distances.The Synergy trifocal lens implant by Bausch & Lomb is designed to provide clear vision at all distances without glasses after your procedure — near, intermediate and far away — while also correcting astigmatism if present.The Panoptix trifocal lens implant by Alcon is designed to provide clear vision at all distances without glasses after your procedure — near, intermediate and far away — while also correcting astigmatism if present.When deciding which type of lens implant is best for you during your cataract surgery procedure it's important to consider your lifestyle needs and goals when it comes to improving your vision after your procedure.If you're comfortable wearing eyeglasses after your procedure then a monofocal lens implant might be right for you. If you want to avoid wearing distance glasses after your procedure but don't have astigmatism then a toric lens might be appropriate. And if you want to avoid wearing distance and reading glasses after your procedure then a corrective lens for presbyopia might be best.No matter which type of lens implant you choose during your procedure it's important to discuss all options with your doctor so that together you can decide which type is best suited for your individual needs.Cataracts can cause blurred vision and increase glare from lights making it difficult to do normal activities like driving or reading small print on labels or menus.

If this is happening then it's time to consider having cataract surgery so that you can restore clear vision and get back to doing all those things that make life enjoyable.Cataracts can interfere with treatment for other eye problems like age-related macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy so if this is happening then it's important to talk with your doctor about having cataract surgery so that these other conditions can be treated properly.Cataracts can cause blurred vision but they don't have to keep you from living life fully! With today's advanced technology there are many options available when it comes to restoring clear vision after having cataracts removed so talk with your doctor today about what type of lens implant might be best suited for your individual needs.