Gregory Eippert, MD

Q: I am considering cataract surgery but very nervous about two things. One, will I feel any pain during the surgery? And two, will my vision truly be better after the surgery?

A: Cataract surgery is one of the most common procedures done in the United States with over two million surgeries performed each year. It is generally a safe, simple, outpatient procedure. Many patients are concerned that cataract surgery will be painful or that it will not significantly improve their vision.

Today’s cataract surgery is a painless procedure done one eye at a time so that each eye can heal and adjust individually. The surgery usually takes only 10-15 minutes and is performed under monitored anesthesia care which means you are not put to sleep but in a light level of sedation. Sedation can be titrated to meet the anxiety level of each patient; some requiring more, some less. During surgery, the cloudy lens is removed and replaced by an intraocular lens or IOL chosen to correct your vision.

Cataract surgery generally proceeds without complications and often results in immediate improvement in vision. You may however need an eyeglass prescription to obtain your clearest vision following surgery depending on the intraocular lens implanted and your particular vision needs. Today’s cataract surgery has many options to meet your needs and preferences and cataract surgery can provide significant improvement to your vision. There may be situations, though, where other eye problems such as glaucoma or macular degeneration can detract from good vision even after a successful cataract surgery.

The best way to prepare for your cataract surgery is to talk with your eye doctor or surgeon who will help you understand the procedure and answer all your questions and concerns. The more you know about what to expect, the more comfortable and confident you will feel having cataract surgery.

Gregory Eippert, MD 8140 Norton Parkway Mentor, OH 44060

440-255-1115 www.opivision.com