How long does the evaluation take?
Generally Dr. Ambati asks you to set aside 2 hours for the day of the evaluation when done in our Eugene location. We do a complete evaluation to make sure that anyone we perform cataract surgery on is a good candidate for the procedure, and that it would be safe and effective. This entails measuring the power of your eye several different ways, using advanced corneal & retinal scanning to evaluate tissue shape and thickness, and examining the front and back of the eye (including dilating eye drops, which can take a few hours to wear off).
Can I keep my contacts in before the evaluation?
To get the optimal measurements to enable the best treatment for your eyes, we ask that you stay out of contacts before evaluation as contacts can “mold’ the cornea. If you wear:
How long is the surgery?
Generally the total procedure is about 20 minutes per eye. However, depending on the complexity and special details of your eye, it could take longer, but rarely more than 45 minutes. However, do plan on being here at the eye center for 2 to 2.5 hours (having surgery is a lot like going to the airport – you have to check in, change into a hospital gown, etc.)
What if I blink or don’t look at the right spot during the surgery?
We do use an eyelid opener to help keep your eye open. During the surgery, we will ask you to look at a bright light.
Will it hurt?
We numb the eye so you should not feel any pain during the procedure. We also give some medicine in the IV to help you relax. You may feel drops of cool fluid and you may feel a few moments of pressure on the eye. You will see lights and shadows during the surgery but not see any instruments. After surgery, your eyes will feel scratchy for several hours but should not hurt. We do give eyedrops to help reduce inflammation. Patients in general do not need any pain medication.
What should I do the rest of the day right after the surgery?
The day of the surgery, except for putting in eye drops, eating, and going to the bathroom, keep your eyes closed. No TV, reading, driving, or computer work (you do need a driver to take you home). We will you have administer eyedrop medications every couple of hours while awake and artificial tears even more frequently any time
Can I get to work the next day?
Many patients are in general able to drive and work the next day, but I often recommend taking one day off from work after surgery. They do need to be able to put eyedrops in and take artificial tears.
How long does it take for my eyes to recover?
Usually patients can see better the next day. Patients will continue to improve for a few weeks. During the time between the two eyes are done (if both eyes have a cataract), patients can have some trouble with their vision as it is hard for the brain to integrate the 2 images (one eye with a new lens, one eye with a cataract).
Do you do both eyes on same day?
Generally not as we put a patch over the eye and going home with 2 patches can be tough.
When can I resume normal activities?
The only restrictions are no rubbing of the eyes and no water in the eyes for about 5 days, and wearing shields at night for the same time. After that, you can resume normal activities.
Will I be able to see without glasses?
This depends a lot on the shape of your cornea and the health of the rest of the eye. Very often with newer technology lifestyle lens implants or laser-assisted cataract surgery, we can explore ways of getting your vision to be able to see without glasses for distance or without glasses for distance and near.
Will the correction be permanent?
While we expect the distance correction to be stable over time, it is important to note that cataract surgery does not affect the health of the rest of the eye – hence, if one is destined to get macular degeneration or glaucoma or some either eye disease later in life, that would still happen.
For more information about cataracts & cataract surgery, contact us in Eugene today at 541-343-5000.
