What is a cataract extraction with intraocular lens implantation?

A cataract extraction with intraocular lens implantation is a procedure in which the doctor removes the clouded lens (cataract) from the eye and replaces it with an artificial lens (lens implant).

When is it used?

Cataracts prevent clear images from reaching the retina and decrease the clarity of your vision. Cataract surgery is usually an elective operation done only when the patient feels that he or she needs to have better vision to continue normal activities. In early cases, a change of glasses may improve the vision enough that surgery can be delayed for months or years. You should ask your doctor about these choices.

How do I prepare for the procedure?

Plan for your care and recovery after the operation, especially if you are to have general anesthesia. Allow for time to rest and try to find people to help you with your day-to-day duties.

Follow instructions provided by your doctor. If you are to have general anesthesia, eat a light meal, such as soup or salad, the night before the procedure. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight or the morning before the procedure. Do not even drink coffee, tea, or water.

No particular preparation is needed for local anesthesia.

What happens during the procedure?

You will be given a local or general anesthetic to prevent pain. A general anesthetic will relax your muscles and make you feel as if you are in a deep sleep. It will prevent you from feeling pain during the operation. A local anesthetic is a drug that should keep you from feeling pain during the operation.

The doctor will make a cut in your eye and remove the cloudy lens. Your doctor will implant the artificial lens. At the end of the procedure, the doctor will place a patch over your eye.

What happens after the procedure?

You will be in the recovery area for about an hour following surgery or until you feel comfortable and secure going home. Have someone take you home. Following the surgery, make an appointment to see your doctor so he or she can remove the patch.

There will be few restrictions on your activities after surgery. You can do simple tasks such as ride in a car, stoop over to put on shoes, resume normal work, and visit friends. Do not rub your eye or allow water or other substances to get into your eye. Avoid being struck in the eye.

You will be ready for conventional bifocal glasses in about 1 month. Bifocals will help correct your focus for both near and far vision. Sometimes a few more weeks are necessary for the sharpest vision to return.

Ask your doctor what other steps you should take and when you should come back for a checkup.

What are the benefits of this procedure?

You can regain near normal vision if the rest of your eye is normal for your age.

What are the risks associated with this procedure?

The risks associated with this procedure include:

• loss of corneal clarity

• glaucoma

• double vision

• ptosis (droopy eyelid)

• retinal detachment

• bleeding or infection which could cause loss of the eye.

There are some risks when you have general anesthesia. Discuss these risks with your doctor.

A local anesthetic may not numb the area quite enough and you may feel some minor discomfort. Also, in rare cases you may have an allergic reaction to the drug used in this type of anesthesia. Local anesthesia is considered safer than general anesthesia.

Ask your doctor how these risks apply to you.

When should I call the doctor?

Call the doctor immediately if:

• You have unusual pain.

• You have a sudden loss of vision.

• You have excessive drainage from your eye.

• You develop a fever.