Cataract Center of Excellence

General Questions

QUESTION: Will I feel any discomfort during surgery?
ANSWER: Special eye drops are used that numb the eye. Most patients only feel a light pressure sensation.

QUESTION: What will I see while I’m in surgery?
ANSWER: Most patients see the bright lights of the microscope.

QUESTION: I heard a cough could prevent me from having my surgery?
ANSWER: We can give you throat spray or a cough suppressant before the operation. It is extremely important that you don’t cough during surgery.

QUESTION:How can I relax during surgery?
ANSWER: Most patients are given I.V. medication before and during the surgery to help them relax.

QUESTION: Do I need to take antibiotics before eye surgery?
ANSWER: Patients are required to take antibiotic eye drops before and after surgery for usually one week.

QUESTION:Can I have surgery on both eyes at the same time?
ANSWER: No, surgery is usually scheduled 1 to 2 weeks apart.

QUESTION: Will I be able to see right after the operation?
ANSWER:Your vision is blurred after the surgery. This is from the dilating drops and the bright lights. Most people see much clearer 24 to 48 hours after surgery.

QUESTION: When can I be discharged?
ANSWER: You will be brought into the recovery room where we will check your vital signs. We will explain your post operative instructions and medications to you and a friend or family member. After this, you will be free to leave the surgical center.

QUESTION: Am I required to have a physical before surgery?
ANSWER: Yes. A physical is required by your primary physician prior to surgery.

Questions About my Implant

QUESTION: What is a lens implant and am I receiving one?
ANSWER: The cataract is actually the lens of your eye. It must be replaced with a lens implant for you to see clearly. Implants are made of either Acrylic or Silicone. Each lens has specific indications and the doctor determines which lens is best suited for you.

QUESTION: Will the lens last a long time?
ANSWER: Yes, the intraocular lens will not wear out. It is placed permanently in your eye.

QUESTION: Is there a chance my eye reject the lens implant?
ANSWER: No, the intraocular lens is not made from human tissue and your body will not reject it.

QUESTION: How will my cataract be removed?
ANSWER: Your cataract will be removed by ultrasound waves that break up the cataract and it will be aspirated from the eye.

QUESTION: What is custom cataract surgery or custom vision correction?
ANSWER: Prior to your cataract surgery, your surgeon at Vistarr Laser and Vision Centers will discuss your options and help you select the correct implant for your lifestyle. Your lens selection will fall between a “basic” or “standard” model or an “advanced technology lens.” Advanced technology lenses can offer lifestyle advantages such as being able to see near and far without optical correction (glasses or contacts) or being able to see far without the burden of astigmatic glasses or contact lens correction.

Questions about my daily activities

QUESTION: Will I need my old glasses after surgery?
ANSWER: Most likely your old glasses will not be correct after surgery.

QUESTION: Should I avoid any of my daily activities?
ANSWER: We encourage you to resume normal activities as soon as you wish. Bending and lifting less than 25 pounds will not cause any problems.

QUESTION: Can I drive after surgery?
ANSWER: Most patients can drive after the first 24 hours. You may drive when your vision seems clear.

QUESTION: Can I fly in a plane after my operation?
ANSWER: It is safe to fly.

QUESTION: Can I wear make-up?
ANSWER: Eye make-up should be avoided for two weeks. All other face make-up is fine to wear.

QUESTION: Is it safe to have my hair done or get a permanent?
ANSWER: Always avoid any chemical contact with your eyes.

Questions after my surgery

QUESTION: It feel like there is something scratchy in my eye. Is something wrong?
ANSWER: You’ve had a microscopic incision on the surface of your eye. Until the incision heals, when you blink, you may feel a slightly scratchy sensation.

QUESTION: The eye drops, given to me to use after surgery, sting my eye. Is this normal?
ANSWER: You should continue to use your eye drops as prescribed. However, if your discomfort seems to be worsening, or you experience a decrease in vision, call your doctor. It is common for some eye drops to burn.

QUESTION: There is a spot of blood on the white of my eye, should I be concerned?
ANSWER: The tissue on the eye is clear, and it’s easy to see the blood. This will not affect your vision and will fade away.

QUESTION: I saw halos around the bright lights. What causes this?
ANSWER: After the dilation wears off, the halo affect will wear off.

QUESTION: I still occasionally notice halos or streaks on lights at night. What causes this?
ANSWER: You may still have a slight need for glasses. Corneal swelling after surgery sometimes causes temporary glare. The eye will continue to heal over 6 to 8 weeks.