Laguna Hills patients ask, “Does laser cataract surgery hurt?”

As people age, they may expect to notice changes to their health or appearance, they may even expect changes in their vision to cause them to reach for glasses or corrective lenses more frequently. However, vision can also be affected by cataracts, a common condition in adults over the age of 60 that causes blurry or cloudy vision. However, unlike other vision troubles, cataracts can be reversed with cataract surgery.

Dr. George Salib of the Orange County Eye Institute has helped many Laguna Hills patients manage their cataracts. He knows that patients have many questions about the condition and the surgery, including, “does it hurt?” Here Dr. Salib answers some of the most frequent questions and puts his patient’s mind to ease.

If cataracts are causing my blurry vision, what causes cataracts?

Many patients first notice that their vision has become cloudy. This is the result of protein buildup in the lens of the eye, which prevents light from passing through. In most cases, aging causes cataracts, however it can also be caused by trauma to the eye, a medical condition, or exposure to toxic substances, UV light, or medication. As a condition that develops over time, patients don’t always notice cataracts right away. However, some of the initial symptoms include foggy or filmy vision, nearsightedness, a change in the way one sees color, sensitivity to light, double vision, or trouble seeing even with glasses or contacts.

CALL OUR OFFICE FOR MORE INFORMATION

(949) 441-5444

How are cataracts diagnosed and treated?

An eye doctor will be able to determine if you have cataracts after an eye exam. Diagnosis for cataracts requires a vision test and an eye exam in which the pupil is dilated. If cataracts are detected, the physician will determine if the vision can be corrected with a prescription for glasses or contacts. If it can’t, surgery can be performed to remove the cataract.

About cataract surgery

Cataract surgery is a safe and effective procedure to remove the buildup of protein and improve vision. The procedure involves removing the lens inside your eye and replacing it with an artificial lens. This procedure is an outpatient treatment that is completed in approximately 15 minutes.

When possible, Dr. Salib uses laser treatment to break up the cloudy lens and then gently suctions it from the eye. This allows smaller incisions into the eye, easier recovery, faster healing, and less chance for complications. If the laser can’t be used, Dr. Salib will use conventional methods to remove the natural lens. With both procedures, once the natural lens is removed, the physician will replace it with an artificial lens that functions exactly like the original. It will be held into place with a stitch and a protective shield will be used in the early stages of cataract recovery.

How to prepare for your surgery

Prior to the surgery, your doctor will perform several tests and measurements to determine the health of your eye and the quality of your vision. This ensures that the surgeon selects the right power of the intraocular lens to restore your vision following surgery. The day of surgery you should expect to arrive at the surgical center approximately 90 minutes prior to the procedure to allow time for your eye to dilate and administration of medication.

What to expect after surgery

It’s important to have someone accompany you to the procedure as you will likely receive anesthesia and will want a friendly face while it wears off. Additionally, you will not be able to drive until at least the day after surgery when your doctor tests your vision. Patients will need to use medicated eye drops several times each day for a few weeks after surgery and will be instructed to wear a protective shield while sleeping and post-operative sunglasses in the weeks following surgery to protect the eyes. While the eye heals, patients may notice some redness and blurred vision. However, they should not experience significant discomfort. Patient should also take care to avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, or exercise that causes eye strain; water activities that could cause splashing, or exposure to dust or grime that could cause infection. For more information about cataract causes, symptoms, and treatment, call the Orange County Eye Institute at (949) 441-5444 .