Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that involves numbing the eyes with anesthesia and then making a tiny incision into which an ultrasonic probe is inserted. The probe breaks up, or emulsifies, the cloudy lens into tiny pieces and then suctions them out of the eye. Once the cloudy lens has been removed, a new artificial lens is implanted into the eye. This lens is known as an intraocular lens (IOL), and can often be inserted through the same incision that the old lens was removed from.
Surgery usually takes only a few minutes to perform and is painless for most patients. Patients can return home the very same day, but will need someone to drive them home. For the next few days, you may experience itching, mild discomfort, fluid discharge and sensitivity to light and touch. Your doctor may prescribe eye drops to help the healing process and to reduce the risk of infection.
Dropless Cataract Surgery
A simpler approach to cataract surgery recovery
Dropless cataract surgery is an alternative to the traditional postoperative eye drop regimen. Instead of using multiple prescription eye drops after surgery to help prevent infection and reduce inflammation, medications are administered during the procedure.
For many patients, this approach can simplify the recovery process by reducing, or in some cases eliminating, the need for postoperative eye drops. It may be especially beneficial for patients who have difficulty administering eye drops, have arthritis, tremors, or limited hand dexterity, live in assisted living or nursing facilities, or do not have someone available to help with their medications.
While dropless cataract surgery is an excellent option for many patients, it may not be appropriate for everyone. Your surgeon will discuss your medical history, eye health, and individual needs to determine whether you are a good candidate for this approach.
If you’re considering cataract surgery, our team can help you determine whether dropless cataract surgery is the right choice for you.
