On the day of cataract surgery, you will arrive at the Surgery Center in Dedham about an hour prior to your surgery time. Our well trained nurses greet you and prepare you for IV sedation. We make sure that you are comfortable and relaxed before we move into the operating room. You will then be taken into the surgery suite where both dilating and anesthetic drops will be administered to minimize any discomfort during the operation.
The Procedure
During cataract surgery, you lie on your back and look at a bright light. Most of our patients do not feel discomfort or even remember very much about cataract surgery. Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure that will only take about 10 minutes. During cataract surgery, the cataract is removed with an advanced technique called phaco-emulsification, or small-incision cataract surgery. A tiny incision is made in the front part of the eye. The cataract is then broken into microscopic particles using high energy sound waves and gently suctioned from the eye. Then, to compensate for the removal of the eye’s natural lens, an intra-ocular lens (IOL) is implanted into the eye. The small incision does not need stitches and remains tightly sealed due to the eye’s natural pressure.
Recovery from Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is done on an out-patient basis, and patients are able to return home the very same day. An eye patch is worn at night for a week and patients are advised to avoid heavy lifting for a week. Patients begin postoperative eye drops to avoid inflammation or infection. According to a survey conducted by the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, more than 98% of cataract patients had their vision successfully improved after cataract surgery. Many patients experience vision that is actually better than before they developed cataracts.
Schedule A Consultation
To learn more about cataract surgery, or for any questions regarding the corrective vision procedure at our Boston-area practice, please contact our office to speak with an eye care coordinator.