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Millions of patients undergo cataract surgery annually to remove their cataracts and restore
their vision. Cataracts are a common eye condition where the proteins that make up the natural lens of the
eye break down and form clumps that impair vision.
They typically occur due to aging but can also be caused by other factors, such as injury to
the eye. Cataracts tend to develop slowly over time, and as your vision worsens, it can become difficult to
complete tasks like driving, reading, or navigating around your home.
At this point, it is time to consider cataract surgery to improve your vision. This quick,
minimally invasive procedure involves removing the natural lens of your eye and replacing it with an
intraocular lens, or IOL.
At first, you may not experience any cataract symptoms. However, as they continue to develop, you'll likely notice:
These aren't the only symptoms of cataracts and can sometimes be indicators of other eye conditions. You can receive a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan by scheduling an appointment with your eye doctor at Kentucky Eye Institute.
Intraocular lenses, or IOLs, are artificial lenses that replace your natural lens during cataract surgery. Cataracts cannot develop on them because they are not made up of natural proteins.
They also function as lenses that can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia. Certain IOLs can even reduce or eliminate your dependence on visual aids like glasses and contact lenses.
At Kentucky Eye Institute, we utilize state-of-the-art intraoperative refractive biometry when placing our IOLs. This increases accuracy and precision in selecting the power for your lens, especially for patients with astigmatism, leading to optimal visual outcomes.
Request an AppointmentKentucky Eye Institute offers standard monofocal IOLs that correct vision at once distance, as well as a wide selection of advanced technology IOLs to suit different lifestyles and visual needs:
Multifocal IOLs are advanced technology lenses that help you see clearly across multiple distances. They are made up of concentric rings of different focusing powers, allowing you to see at near, far, and intermediate distances.
Patients who choose multifocal IOLs often no longer need glasses or contacts for most activities and enjoy crisp, clear vision, whether playing sports, reading a book, or working on the computer.
Toric IOLs are advanced technology lenses that can correct astigmatism. Astigmatism typically occurs due to irregularities in the shape of the eye, which causes blurry, unfocused vision.
Toric IOLs are specially shaped to accommodate astigmatism and often give patients more freedom from visual aids.
Extended depth of focus (EDOF) advanced technology IOLs can provide a broader range of vision across multiple distances. Patients often enjoy clear distance and intermediate vision, with functional near vision.
The technology used in extended depth of focus IOLs offers patients smoother transitions between focusing powers and reduced incidences of visual disturbances like halos and glare.
Before you undergo cataract surgery, your eye doctor at Kentucky Eye Institute will conduct a comprehensive cataract consultation to determine your candidacy for the procedure. This will involve questions about your symptoms, lifestyle, and medical history, as well as a thorough eye exam.
At this appointment, they will also review different IOL options to help you find the right lens.
Your cataract surgeon will begin the procedure by numbing your eye with anesthetic drops to ensure you don't feel any pain. Once you are comfortable, they will make a small incision in your eye to access the natural lens.
Then, they will break up the natural lens using ultrasound waves and suction out the pieces. Your cataract surgeon will replace the natural lens with your chosen IOL and ensure it is properly positioned before completing the procedure.
The entire procedure takes around 10 to 15 minutes and requires no stitches or sutures.
After your surgery, you will need a friend or loved one to drive you home so you can begin recovery. Your cataract surgeon will provide you with postoperative care instructions, including:
At your follow-up appointments, your eye doctor will assess how your eyes are healing and let you know when it's safe to return to activities like driving, working, and exercising. The majority of cataract surgery patients are cleared to drive and work within one to three days after their procedure.
Most patients notice visual improvements within the first few days following cataract surgery, with eyesight continuing to improve over time. Full recovery from the procedure can take around four to six weeks, which is when you'll likely reach peak visual clarity.
Once you've completed recovery, you can expect clearer vision, better night vision, reduced halos and glares, and the ability to see colors with more vibrancy again. Depending on the IOL you choose, you may even achieve clearer vision than you ever had before developing cataracts!
You'll also never need to worry about cataracts returning, as they cannot develop on your new IOL. Instead, you can look forward to years of clear, cataract-free vision.
