Cataract Questions?

How long will I be out of work for?

While all procedures are different, the average patient can expect to be out of work for two days: the day of the surgery, and the post-operative day. Most patients can return to work on a restricted regimen thereafter.

I have glaucoma and am currently on one or two drops.

Can anything be done at the time of my surgery? Thankfully, there are many treatments available now that can be done at the time of your cataract surgery that can reduce or eliminate your dependence on drops. These include special surgical shunts that reduce the pressure in your eye. Most of these shunts are made out of non-ferrous materials and are generally considered safe in MRI units. However, you should always verify this information with your physician.

How many drops will I be on and for how long?

In general, most patients will be on two or three drops for approximately 4 to 6 weeks. Some drops, depending on the medication, are one time a day whereas others are 4 times a day.

Can both eyes be done at the same time?

In general, both eyes are not done at the same time. This is done from a patient safety standpoint.

Is anesthesia used? If so, what kind?

In general, there is anesthesia used in most cataract surgeries. The most common types of anesthesia are topical or monitored local anesthesia. This anesthesia is usually used in conjunction with a sedative to help you relax. We generally say that “you’re kind of mentally there but don’t really care.” Another analogy is for individuals who have had a colonoscopy - the sedatives and anesthesia used are similar to those used for cataract surgery. Seldom is general anesthesia (“going under”) used.