Q: What is the difference between cataracts and glaucoma?
A: Cataracts affect the lens in the middle of the eye, which becomes cloudy over time. Glaucoma impacts the optic nerve at the back of the eye and is often caused by high eye pressure, family history, or anatomical reasons. While cataracts primarily impair vision clarity, glaucoma affects peripheral vision first and can progress to central vision loss if untreated.
Q: Can you have both cataracts and glaucoma?
A: Yes, it's possible to have both conditions as they are unrelated. You can have cataracts without glaucoma, glaucoma without cataracts, or both.
Q: Why are cataracts universal?
A: Cataracts are a natural part of aging and do not reflect poor eye health. They occur in everyone eventually, making cataract surgery a common and effective solution for improving vision.
Q: What are the early signs of cataracts?
A: Early signs include difficulty seeing golf or tennis balls, trouble driving at night, sensitivity to bright lights, and frequent changes in prescription glasses that no longer improve vision.
Q: How do you know if you have cataracts?
A: Symptoms include blurry vision, glare or halos at night, difficulty reading, and diminished color vibrancy. An eye exam can confirm the diagnosis.
Q: Can cataracts go away on their own?
A: No, cataracts will continue to grow if untreated. Surgery is the only effective treatment.
Q: What is cataract surgery?
A: Cataract surgery removes the cloudy natural lens, breaks it up, and replaces it with a clear, artificial lens. This new lens lasts forever, effectively curing cataracts.
Q: Can cataracts be prevented?
A: Research has explored options like beta-blockers, antioxidants, and UV protection, but no proven prevention methods exist. Cataracts remain a natural part of aging and are the leading cause of blindness worldwide.
Q: What advancements have been made in cataract surgery?
A: Innovations include laser-assisted surgery, improved intraocular lens (IOL) technology, and refined surgical tools. These advancements enhance safety, precision, and visual outcomes, making modern cataract surgery highly effective.
Q: What happens if one eye has a cataract, but the other doesn’t?
A: While age-related cataracts typically affect both eyes, they may develop at different rates, making one eye noticeably worse. Trauma or injury can also cause cataracts in just one eye. Often, patients realize the second eye has a cataract after experiencing clearer vision in the first eye post-surgery.
Q: Is cataract surgery painful?
A: No, cataract surgery is painless. Patients receive relaxation medication and numbing drops. Most people feel calm and unaware of the procedure.
Q: What is the recovery time for cataract surgery?
A: Most patients can resume normal activities like walking within a day or two. Vigorous activities, heavy lifting, and swimming should be avoided for about two weeks.
Q: How long after surgery can you see clearly?
A: Vision stabilization typically takes about a month, though some patients notice improvement within a few days. The timeline varies based on individual factors like cataract severity.
Q: Are there risks with cataract surgery?
A: While cataract surgery is very safe, risks like infection, bleeding, or swelling exist. These risks are rare and usually manageable.
Q: Are cataracts hereditary?
A: Yes and no, cataracts can run in families. Some people may develop them earlier due to genetic factors. However cataracts are a natural part of aging and occur in everyone eventually. While hereditary factors may lead to earlier onset or specific types of cataracts, simply being human makes cataracts inevitable.
Q: Are there non-surgical treatments for cataracts?
A: No, surgery is the only way to treat cataracts. Glasses or contacts cannot fix the problem.
Q: What types of lenses are available after cataract surgery?
A: Lens options vary and are tailored to the patient’s needs. Choices are discussed during pre-surgery consultations to determine the best fit.
Q: What is the best option for cataract lenses?
A: There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Lens selection is tailored to each patient’s vision needs and lifestyle, with decisions made collaboratively with the surgeon.
Q: Can lens implants be replaced if needed?
A: Lens exchanges are rare but possible. Selecting the right lens initially is crucial, as a second surgery carries additional risks. Surgeons discuss lifestyle needs and lens options thoroughly beforehand to minimize this need.
Q: Is cataract surgery covered by insurance?
A: Standard cataract surgery is typically covered by insurance. Advanced lens options may involve out-of-pocket costs. The office team helps with insurance authorization.
Q: How soon after diagnosis can surgery be scheduled?
A: Surgery timing depends on the readiness of the cataract and the patient’s schedule. It could be as soon as a few weeks or up to a couple of months.
Q: Are advanced lens options (premium IOL’s) worth the extra cost?
A: Advanced lens options are personalized to the patient’s lifestyle and vision goals. While not covered by insurance, they can significantly improve quality of life.
Q: Can cataracts cause light sensitivity?
A: Yes, light sensitivity is a common symptom. Patients often struggle with bright lights in places like Costco or have difficulty driving at night due to glare.
Q: How are cataracts diagnosed?
A: Cataracts are typically diagnosed during an eye exam. Symptoms like trouble driving at night, difficulty reading, or issues with bright lights may prompt an evaluation.
Q: Can both eyes be treated at the same time?
A: Traditionally, cataract surgery is performed on one eye at a time, with weeks between procedures. However, advancements in safety and faster healing now allow surgeries to be done closer together—sometimes even on the same day. The timing depends on the patient's schedule, comfort level, and insurance considerations.
Q: When do cataracts typically develop?
A: Cataracts can develop at any age. While they are more common in your 50s to 90s, children can have congenital cataracts, which may be hereditary or caused by genetic factors.
Q: Why might cataract surgery be delayed?
A: Surgery might be postponed if the cataracts aren’t "ripe" enough to ensure optimal results, or if contact lens wearers haven’t stopped wearing lenses for the required period before measurement appointments.
Q: Is cataract surgery scary?
A: It’s natural to feel nervous, especially if you’ve never had surgery before. Relaxation medication ensures patients feel calm and comfortable throughout the procedure, which is quick and painless.
Q: What if I’ve worn contact lenses recently?
A: If you wear soft contact lenses, you’ll need to stop wearing them for two weeks before your cataract measurements. For hard contact lenses, the waiting period is four to six weeks to ensure accurate measurements.
Q: When is cataract surgery necessary?
A: Surgery is only recommended when cataracts cause noticeable symptoms, like blurry vision or glare. If the cataract isn’t bothersome, it may be monitored over time. Some patients prefer early treatment, while others wait until symptoms worsen.
Q: Why do patients hesitate to get cataract surgery?
A: The two main concerns are fear of the procedure and its cost. Many patients are nervous about eye surgery because of its importance. Reassurance about safety and addressing cost-related questions often helps alleviate these fears.
Q: How safe is cataract surgery?
A: Cataract surgery is one of the safest surgeries with low complication rates and high patient satisfaction. Most patients see dramatic improvements quickly and are eager to have the second eye treated after experiencing the first.
Q: How is cataract surgery performed?
A: The procedure involves removing the cloudy lens, breaking it up with precision tools, and replacing it with a clear, artificial lens that lasts forever.
Q: What is the experience like during surgery?
A: Patients are given relaxation medicine under the tongue or via IV. The eye is completely numb, and most patients don’t feel or remember the procedure, which is quick and painless.
Q: What happens during cataract surgery?
A: Surgery typically lasts 7–12 minutes. Patients receive mild sedation and numbing drops, ensuring a pain-free experience. Many patients are surprised by how quick and comfortable the procedure is, often comparing it to watching a kaleidoscope of lights.
Q: Will I be awake during the surgery?
A: Yes, but you won’t feel pain or see instruments approaching your eye. The experience is calm, and some patients even enjoy music or light conversation during the procedure.
Q: Can cataracts come back after surgery?
A: No, cataracts cannot return once they are removed. The artificial lens placed during surgery is permanent and does not develop cataracts.
Q: How does cataract surgery affect vision?
A: After surgery, patients often notice brighter colors, sharper vision, and a significant improvement in daily activities like reading and driving. The improvement is especially noticeable when one eye is corrected first.
Q: What changes will I notice after surgery?
A: Many patients report brighter colors, sharper details, and improved ability to function in low light or glare. Some even realize they’d been seeing the world in a yellowish tint before surgery.
Q: How soon will I see clearly after surgery?
A: Many patients notice improved vision the same day or the following day. Some experience mild haziness for a few days due to corneal swelling, but full visual recovery typically occurs within a week.
Q: What activities should be avoided after cataract surgery? Are there activity restrictions after surgery?
A: Avoid swimming and eye makeup for one week to prevent infection. Heavy lifting and strenuous exercise should also be avoided temporarily. Submersion in water (e.g., pools, lakes, or hot tubs) is prohibited due to the risk of infection. Most other activities, like walking or light exercise, are fine. Each person’s recovery plan is tailored to their needs.
Q: What happens if cataracts are left untreated?
A: Untreated cataracts will continue to grow, further impairing vision. Glasses or contacts won’t help, and surgery is the only effective solution. Surgery is recommended when the cataracts become "ripe," to maximize benefits and minimize risks.
Q: What is the most rewarding part of being a cataract surgeon?
A: Within minutes, I can improve someone’s vision for life and potentially prevent blindness due to glaucoma. It's a privilege to restore such a fundamental sense.
Q: Does cataract surgery hurt?
A: No, the procedure is painless, thanks to numbing and relaxation medications.
Q: Can cataracts affect only one eye?
A: Cataracts typically affect both eyes, though one eye may develop issues sooner or more severely than the other.
Q: Can children get cataracts?
A: Yes, children can have congenital cataracts, often due to genetic factors. These cases are less common and require specialized care.
