What Are Cataracts?
Think of your eye's natural lens like a clear window — it focuses light onto the back of your eye so you can see sharp, vibrant images. Over time, that "window" can become cloudy. That cloudiness is called a cataract.
Cataracts most often develop with age, but they can also result from traumatic eye injuries, autoimmune disease, long-term use of certain medications (such as steroids), and diabetes.
Symptoms of Cataracts
Cloudy, blurred, or hazy vision
Glare and halos around headlights, lamps, and sunlight
Double vision
Frequent changes to your glasses or contact lens prescription
Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery
When a cataract begins to interfere with daily life, surgery is the definitive treatment. During cataract surgery, your cloudy natural lens is removed using a special machine that breaks the lens into small pieces and suctions it out. Afterward, an artificial lens (called an intraocular lens, or IOL) is placed in the same position where your natural lens sits. This lens is permanent and becomes a natural part of your eye. The procedure typically takes 15 to 30 minutes, is performed under local anesthesia with light sedation, and you go home the same day.
At Bright Future Eye Care, we offer femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery, which uses a computer-guided laser to perform several critical steps of cataract surgery that are traditionally done by hand with a surgical blade. The laser delivers ultrafast pulses of light to break the clouded lens into smaller fragments before removal, allowing for faster recovery time. The laser can also perform a small degree of astigmatic correction through limbal relaxing incisions. This technology is offered as part of an individualized surgical plan for patients who want the highest level of precision during their cataract procedure.
What to Expect
Before Surgery
A detailed measurement of your eye is taken to select the right IOL power for your eye
You will be started on antibiotics and anti-inflammatory eye drops before surgery
During Surgery
You will be awake but relaxed and comfortable
You may see light and movement across your vision. There should be little to no pain during the procedure
You will go home the same day with an eye shield over your eye
After Surgery
Vision may be blurry at first, but typically begins improving within 24 to 48 hours
You will start taking post-surgical eye drops for several weeks to prevent infection and reduce inflammation
Most patients return to work within a few days.
You are advised to take it easy - no lifting more than 25 lbs, no strenuous activities, and no water/dust in the eye for 2 weeks.
Full visual recovery generally occurs within 3 to 6 weeks
Choosing the Right Lens for You
One of the most exciting aspects of modern cataract surgery is the ability to customize your vision with different types of intraocular lens implants (IOLs). Depending on your lifestyle and personal reference, we will guide you through lens options that are the best fit for you.