Modern cataract surgery has evolved to become exceptionally safe and effective, thanks to advances in technology that have made the procedure less invasive. As a result, the outcomes are more predictable, with minimal side effects, and the eye typically recovers swiftly. Individuals usually opt for modern cataract surgery when their diminishing eyesight impedes their day-to-day activities. If a cataract is in its early stages, vision improvement may be achievable with glasses, as advised by your ophthalmologist or optometrist. However, once the cataract becomes dense, glasses become ineffective, necessitating cataract surgery.
Various eye conditions such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, prior injuries, or surgeries can also impact vision. Your ophthalmologist will assess your eye and provide guidance on how these conditions may influence cataract surgery. In certain instances, the presence of other eye conditions may influence the timing of surgery; for instance, surgery may be postponed if the cataract isn't the sole contributor to vision loss.
At Hamilton Eye Clinic, our ophthalmologists perform cataract surgery at our adjoining day surgery facility, Bridgewater Day Surgery."
During your consultation with your ophthalmologist, your surgery can typically be scheduled within a few weeks. You'll be provided with a questionnaire to complete, detailing your medications, general health status, and any drug allergies. Your ophthalmologist will also discuss your desired focus post-surgery. Options may include achieving sharp vision for distant objects (such as for driving without glasses) or for near objects (such as for reading without glasses). Additionally, correction for astigmatism may be possible.
Your eye will be measured using a laser or ultrasound machine to gather data on its shape. Based on these measurements, your ophthalmologist will select an appropriate lens implant for your operation. The precise time and date of your surgery will be communicated to you by your ophthalmologist's staff, either in person or via phone.
If you're feeling nervous or anxious about the surgery, don't hesitate to inform your ophthalmologist. They will discuss the various options for anesthesia with you. It's typically recommended that surgery be performed on only one eye at a time in almost all cases.
Upon arrival at Bridgewater Day Surgery, you'll be requested to report one hour before your scheduled operation time. Eye drops will be administered to dilate the pupil, and local anesthesia will be applied to numb the eye. This anesthesia may be in the form of drops, gel, or an injection. If an injection is necessary, it will be administered by your surgeon or anesthetist through a blunt needle into a small incision in the membrane covering the white of the eye.
In the operating theater, you'll be awake beneath a translucent sheet, with an instrument used to keep your eye open, eliminating the need to worry about blinking. The surgery typically lasts about 30 minutes, during which the staff will instruct you on how to communicate if you experience any discomfort or soreness.
Following the operation, you may have a pad over your eye overnight, and your surgeon will schedule a follow-up appointment for you. Detailed post-operative instructions will be provided at that time.
While all surgeries, regardless of technological advancements, carry some level of risk, minor complications may necessitate additional appointments or medications. In rare cases, further surgeries may be required, and complications can potentially delay visual recovery. However, it's important to note that serious complications such as infection or bleeding in the eye are rare but can result in vision loss. Your surgeon will thoroughly discuss the potential benefits and risks of cataract surgery with you before proceeding.
Surgical Technique
During cataract surgery, the cataract is fragmented using an ultrasound probe, and an acrylic replacement lens is then injected into the space formerly occupied by the cataract. This artificial lens effectively replaces the cataract, restoring clear vision.
At Hamilton Eye Clinic and Bridgewater Day Surgery, our ophthalmologists utilize the latest and most advanced techniques and equipment to ensure optimal outcomes for your cataract surgery.
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