What Are the Symptoms of Cataracts?

• Blurred or hazy vision
• Decreased contrast sensitivity
• Difficulty seeing at night
• Glare, halos, or starbursts around lights

What Happens During Refractive Cataract Surgery?
Refractive cataract surgery involves removing the cloudy natural lens of the eye and replacing it with a customized intraocular lens (IOL) that can restore your vision. This procedure not only improves vision but also reduces the need for glasses or contact lenses.

The procedure begins with pupil dilation and local anesthesia to numb the eye. A small incision is made to insert an ultrasonic probe, which breaks up the cloudy lens into tiny pieces. These pieces are then gently suctioned out. Once the natural lens is removed, a clear artificial lens is inserted through the same incision.

Refractive cataract surgery typically takes 15-20 minutes and is performed as an outpatient procedure. The surgery is minimally invasive and most patients report little to no discomfort.

What Are the Benefits of Cataract Surgery?
Cataract surgery can significantly improve the quality of life, offering many benefits, including:

• Sharper vision and brighter colors
• Improved ability to perform daily activities, especially night driving
• Decreased reliance on glasses or contacts
• Enhanced safety and independence, regardless of age or health condition

Research shows that cataract surgery reduces the risk of falls, making activities like sports and exercise safer. Additionally, the improved ability to read, recognize faces, and carry out everyday tasks contributes to a healthier, more active lifestyle, leading to improved overall health and longevity.

What Are the Risks of Cataract Surgery?
Though cataract surgery is widely considered safe, as with any surgical procedure, there are some risks. These include:

• Slightly increased risk of retinal detachment
• Infection or bleeding
• Complications may arise if there is another existing eye condition or severe medical issue

It is important to monitor for any warning signs, such as increased pain, redness, flashes of light, floaters, or sudden vision loss. If you experience any of these symptoms after surgery, contact us immediately.

What is the Recovery Process After Refractive Cataract Surgery?
The recovery process is typically quick, with no stitches required due to the small, self-healing incisions. For about two weeks, you will need to wear eye protection, even while sleeping. Vision will be blurry at first, but improvements are usually noticeable within the first month. Some light sensitivity, glare, or halos may occur during the healing phase, and colors may appear brighter.

It’s important to avoid rubbing your eye or engaging in strenuous activity for a few weeks. You will be prescribed eye drops to prevent infection and inflammation. Although full recovery may take up to 2 months, you can typically return to daily activities within a few days. If both eyes need surgery, the second procedure is generally scheduled 1-2 months after the first.

At Infinity Vision Lasers, we are committed to providing you with the highest quality care and ensuring the best possible visual outcomes. Our goal is to guide you through a smooth and successful journey to clearer vision.