Cataracts

What is a cataract?

A cataract is a clouding of the lens that occurs in your eye. In most cases, cataracts are caused by the aging process. A cataract can be the reason sharp images are blurred, or seeing things at night is more difficult. The best way to treat a cataract is to remove the old, clouded lens and provide a replacement.

What is AquaLase?

AquaLase is the newest advance in lens removal technology. Instead of using a metal probe, a cataract can now be dissolved with pulses of warm, naturally balanced solution to "wash away" the lens layer by layer. AquaLase is much safer and less risky compared to other removal technologies. Once the lens is removed, it is replaced with a new lens, the AcrySof lens.

What is the AcrySof lens?

The AcrySof lens, the world's first foldable intraocular lens, enhances the benefits of advanced cataract surgery by filtering out blue light, which can lead to retinal damage. While the lens provides increased blue-light filtration, it does not alter color perception, or the ability to see under dim light conditions.

Where will my surgery be performed? When will my surgery take place?

Your cataract surgery will be performed at your local hospital, at the West Tennessee Surgical Center in Jackson, or at the Germantown Baptist Surgery Center. After a comprehensive pre-surgical evaluation, our surgical counselors will discuss with you the date and location of your surgery.

How long will my surgery take?

You should plan on spending at least 4 to six hours at the surgical facility. Your actual surgery may only take 15 to 30 minutes, but expect to spend at least 4 to 6 hours at the surgical location. Notify family members to bring a light snack and something to keep them busy.

What does cataract surgery feel like?

Your cataract surgery should be a comfortable experience. During the procedure you may feel pressure on your eyeball; this is normal. Your eye may feel gritty, burn, or sting after surgery; this is also normal. Expect for the pupil of your eye to be dilated for seven hours after surgery.

How is cataract surgery performed?

Your surgery will be performed without shots, stitches, or patches.

Lasers are never used to remove cataracts but are commonly used several months after surgery to provide improved vision. This procedure, called a YAG capsulotomy, takes only a few minutes and is usually performed in the office or surgical suite with only numbing eye drops.

What are the risks associated with cataract surgery?

After the routine 3 month follow-up period, 98% of our patients are able to see and function better. This leaves approximately a 2% chance that removing the cataract may not improve your vision. Be aware that removing your cataract is a surgical experience and there is risk of infection or complication following any type of surgical procedure. You will be required to use eye drops for several weeks immediately following your surgery to prevent infection and swelling in the eye.

What are my limitations after the cataract surgery?

Unless otherwise instructed, following your surgery you may bend over, stoop, lift, read, and watch TV or do any other normal, everyday task. Avoid water on the operated eye for 2 weeks and avoid touching or placing any type of pressure on the eye.

Who will evaluate me after the cataract surgery?

Either Toyos Clinic or your primary eye health provider (optometrist) is more than qualified to provide your follow-up care. If a problem develops, your local eye doctor will communicate directly with the specialists at Toyos Clinic. As always, you have the right to have your follow-up care with your local doctor or Toyos Clinic.

When can I have the cataract in my other eye removed?

Once the desired vision and comfort level is achieved in the first eye and specific clinical guidelines are met, you can plan surgery for your other eye. Typically, the cataract in the second eye can be removed approximately three weeks after the surgery in the first eye. Your primary health provider (optometrist) will coordinate your care and communicate with Toyos Clinic.