Posted by: SightTrust Eye Institute in Lens Replacement, Presbyopia, Refractive Surgery

You have finally decided to have lens replacement surgery to permanently rid you of the need for glasses. Your motivation? You are tired of dealing with the debilitating symptoms of cataracts such as blurred vision, trouble seeing at night, halos around lights, or double vision; or are struggling with constantly grabbing a pair of reading glasses or bifocals because of your presbyopia. You are ready for the relief and improved quality of life that lens replacement surgery will give you. Congratulations! Now comes the easy part: having the quick, 10-minute procedure to rid you of your visual frustration. So, what should you expect in advance of your procedure? 

At SightTrust Eye Institute, we specialize in both cataract surgery for those suffering from poor vision, and refractive lens/clear lens replacement surgery for presbyopia. The 2 procedures are essentially identical. And help correct distance vision as well as difficulty reading phones, books, or computers, eye strain after reading close-up, and increased dependence on reading glasses. It’s a good idea to educate yourself on what to expect with either procedure. 

The obvious first step before having any procedure is to see your eye doctor to determine if you are a candidate for this amazing technology. You will then have a consultation at SightTrust that will allow us to review customized vision correction options to determine what kind of vision you want after surgery. Whether you choose multifocal vision for freedom from glasses at all ranges or any other goal you have such as intermediate, monovision, or single vision, an intraocular lens implant (IOL) type will be chosen to correct your individual prescription needs. This IOL will replace the natural lens that has become clouded or hardened by age and is functioning poorly. 

Other ways to prepare yourself for surgery include: 

  • Follow your pre-op instructions carefully. 
    You may be asked not to eat or drink anything for 12 hours before the surgery if you are choosing to have I.V. sedation (if you choose oral sedation, you do not need to fast!). You will be prescribed some eye drops to begin using a few days before the surgery. Be sure to follow your pre-operative care instructions carefully to ensure you have the most success with your procedure. 
  • Choose your Intraocular lens implant (IOL) type with the doctor. 
    Special testing will help Dr. Shatz and Dr. Thomas determine the best intraocular lens implant (IOL) for your particular needs. 
    • Monofocal IOLs correct only near or far vision
    • Multifocal IOLs correct near, intermediate, and far vision all at once
    • Astigmatism (toric) IOLs eliminate astigmatism so you can see clearly at distance
  • Educate yourself. 
    Make sure you’ve educated yourself regarding the risks and benefits of lens replacement procedures. Explore the SightTrust Eye Institute website to learn more about the surgeries themselves. Make sure you are aware of what post-op care and recovery will look like and when you can expect to resume your normal activities. 
  • Decide if you want Bilateral Same-Day Surgery.
    At SightTrust Eye Institute, we offer Bilateral same-day surgery as an option. Bilateral same-day cataract and lens surgery (BSDCS) allows us to perform 2 separate eye surgeries on the same day, preventing you from having to wait weeks before finishing the healing process. Benefits of BSDCS include requiring only a single anesthesia session, no need to return for another procedure, a shorter post-operative healing period, and a quicker visual recovery since both eyes improve at the same time. There is rarely a situation where this is not a good choice.
  • Arrange a ride home from someone you trust.
    You will go home immediately after your surgery, but you will not be able to drive yourself. It will be important transport to and from the clinic from someone you trust. If you do not have someone who can help with transportation, please let us know so we can help arrange to get you her and home.

Eye surgeries are some of the least invasive types of surgeries, yet they can still yield life changing results. If you are struggling with your eyesight and believe that eye surgery may be a good solution for you, don’t wait! Call our office today to schedule a consultation to see if you are a good candidate for surgery, and our expert team would love to help get your vision back to where you believe it should be. Contact us at: (877) 878-7890 / info@sighttrust.com

Sources: 

https://www.sighttrust.com/cataract-surgery/

https://www.sighttrust.com/lens-replacement/

https://www.sighttrust.com/bilateral-surgery-sunrise/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cataract-surgery/about/pac-20384765

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21472-cataract-surgery

https://www.90210eyes.com/blog/cataract-surgery-what-to-expect-before-during-and-afterwards/

https://iconeyecare.com/eye-care-blog/what-to-expect-with-cataract-surgery/