WHAT IS TRADITIONAL CATARACT SURGERY?
Viewed as both incredibly safe and remarkably beneficial, traditional cataract surgery, known as phacoemulsification, is among the most common procedures performed around the globe. The extensively trained staff of ocular surgeons at The Eye Center of Southern Indiana is knowledgeable in both traditional and laser cataract surgery and is able to identify the optimal approach for your eye health. The most important difference between traditional and laser cataract surgery is that the traditional surgery is performed using manual surgical devices, whereas laser surgery is mostly done using advanced, refractory light technology. Plan a consultation with one of The Eye Center physicians at our Bloomington, IN office to receive more information about traditional cataract surgery.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF TRADITIONAL CATARACT SURGERY?
There are many benefits of traditional cataract surgery, including:
- The ability to see clearly without the need for glasses
- Optimal treatments for patients who are not candidates for laser cataract surgery
- Customized treatment care
Our team at The Eye Center of Southern Indiana will consult with you regarding which course of cataract treatment may be ideal for you and your eye care needs.
WHO IS AN IDEAL CANDIDATE FOR TRADITIONAL CATARACT SURGERY?
Traditional cataract surgery may be the better option for treating cataracts in patients who do not meet the criteria for laser-assisted surgery. After you have been properly diagnosed with cataracts, our doctors can evaluate if you would benefit from a surgical procedure. During a thorough consultation at The Eye Center of Southern Indiana, our doctors will talk with you to determine if you are an ideal candidate for traditional cataract surgery.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT?
At The Eye Center of Southern Indiana, we do a thorough examination of each patient’s cataracts and any existing health concerns to establish if traditional cataract surgery is the most suitable treatment choice. Once any risk conditions have been assessed, your selected Eye Center surgeon will conduct traditional cataract surgery as an outpatient procedure that generally takes fewer than 15 minutes per eye. Just like in laser cataract surgery, the individual being treated stays awake, but his or her eyes are completely numbed prior to beginning the procedure to ensure that they remain still and pain-free for the duration of the procedure. When the anesthetic has taken effect, the surgeon secures a special device on each eye that guards against any eye shifting during the procedure. Next, a scalpel is used to create a tiny incision at the edge of the cornea. After this is done, an instrument breaks up the clouded lens by emitting ultrasonic waves so it can be easily removed and exchanged with a new, synthetic intraocular lens through the same incision. The incision itself is extremely small so it doesn't require sutures and will mend by itself quickly. Many individuals who receive cataract surgery notice red eyes and/or minor bruising similar to a black eye for several days following the procedure. This is due to increased blood flow to the surgery site, which allows the eye to heal faster. Follow-up is typically scheduled for the following day, as well as for periodic checkups over the next several weeks to assess healing progress.
HOW DOES RECOVERY WORK AFTER TRADITIONAL CATARACT SURGERY?
Once the procedure is complete, every patient is made aware of thorough at-home care rules that will ensure ideal healing and recovery. These rules may include matters like using any eye drops if an eye bandage will have to be worn, advice on sleeping without disturbing the eyes, and avoiding certain strenuous exercises. Dr. Grossman always does a final quick eye exam just prior to clearing the patient to begin the healing process in the comfort of their home. It is normal for patients to experience a degree of distorted vision for an hour or so following the procedure; however, this is only an adjustment process while the other ocular structures and the occipital lobe adapt to the implanted lens. Frequently, patients who have cataract surgery develop bloodshot sclera (the white part of the eyes) and some slight bruising that is similar to a black eye for a week or so following the surgery.
Individuals who come to us for cataract surgery are always scheduled to come back to The Eye Center of Southern Indiana within 24 hours of their surgery for their first follow-up assessment, as well as for planning later visits, determined by each patient’s recovery progress.
TRADITIONAL CATARACT SURGERY FAQS
What restrictions are involved after cataract surgery?
Patients at The Eye Center of Southern Indiana will need to take time off from work to make sure they heal from cataract surgery. Avoid UV exposure, swimming, and activities like driving until you have been cleaned by a member of our team. Our guidelines are designed to help you see well and recover quickly after cataract removal.
What activities can I do after cataract surgery?
Patients are encouraged to sleep, eat healthy meals, and drink plenty of water while in recovery. If you feel up to it, you can take short walks indoors, listen to music, or watch TV after your procedure in Bloomington, IN. You can usually go back to work soon after cataract removal if your job is not too strenuous.
Does insurance cover traditional cataract surgery?
Many health insurance companies cover traditional cataract surgery, but it depends on your coverage and individual plan. Our clinic can help you figure out your coverage and out-of-pocket costs. We strive to provide quality care at a reasonable price, which is why we are always transparent about our costs. We also take different forms of payment to make treatment affordable.
SAY GOODBYE TO CATARACTS
For patients of The Eye Center of Southern Indiana, our top priority is preserving your eyesight and overall ocular health. All of us are here to help you understand and obtain all the eye care you might require. If you have been diagnosed with cataracts or have noticed cloudiness in your vision, reach out to our Bloomington, IN office to plan an evaluation with one of our skilled physicians and learn about your options.