Once vision loss interferes with everyday activities, such as driving, reading, or watching TV, consideration should be given to surgically removing the cataract. Surgery may seem unnerving but rest assured, Dr. Cravey and the nurses at Kerrville Eye Center will take good care of you, making your experience as comfortable as possible. Cataract surgery is one of the most common operations performed in the United States. It is also one of the safest and most effective types of surgery. In about 90% of cases, people who have cataract surgery have better vision afterward.
One of the most common questions we are asked is: “If I have cataracts in both eyes, can they be removed on the same day?” No they cannot be removed on the same day. The cataract surgery will be performed on each eye at separate times, usually three to four weeks apart.
To make sure the patient is comfortable during the procedure, Dr. Cravey administers eye-numbing drops along with dilating the pupil before the surgery begins. Dr. Cravey performs a small incision cataract surgery; also known as Phacoemulsification, in which a small incision is made to the side of the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye. Next, he will insert a tiny probe into the eye that emits ultrasound waves that soften and break up the lens, so that it can be removed by suction. An intraocular lens (IOL) replaces the original cloudy lens that is removed during surgery. Once placed on the eye, the IOL requires no care because it becomes a permanent part of your eye.
Occasionally, someone will not be able to implant an IOL due to another eye disease or problems during surgery. For these patients, a soft contact lens, or glasses that provide high magnification, may be suggested.
As with any surgery, cataract surgery does have risks, such as infection or bleeding. It is important to keep your eye clean after surgery by washing your hands before touching your eye, and use the prescribed medications to help minimize the risk of infection.