Cataract Faq

A cataract is a cloudiness of the eye's natural lens, which lies between the front and back areas of the eye.

About half of the population develops a cataract by age 65, and nearly everyone over age 75 has at least one. But in rare cases, infants can have congenital cataracts.

Determining the lens for you can be based on many factors, including the health of your eye and your lifestyle. Until recently, cataract patients had few choices for the implants used to restore their vision. With the premium lens procedure you now have several choices based on your individual visual needs and lifestyle. In order to decide which lens will be most suitable for you, you can discuss with Dr Khatib who will do a thorough evaluation and decide if you can be a suitable candidate for Premium IOLs.

We request that you bring someone with you on the day of cataract removal surgery.

Our surgery center is located within our clinic.

Yes. You will be prescribed some eye drops to put in the eye before you leave your home for the surgery. These drops dilate your pupil and make the surgery smoother.

Most patients should plan to be at the clinic between 2-3 hours or lesser.

Yes. Please ensure that you have a light breakfast prior to surgery.

Advanced Cataract surgery is virtually a painless procedure and most patients do not feel anything during the surgery.

No, we require patients bring a friend or family member to drive them home due to the medications given.

Yes, you will be asked to get certain investigations done prior to surgery. If you have a complicated medical history, we may ask you to be cleared by your physician.

For most cataract surgery patients, vision improves significantly in the first 24-48 hours after surgery. You may resume your routine activities as soon as you feel comfortable doing so.

We request that you bring someone with you on the day of cataract removal surgery.

Our surgery center is located within our clinic.

Yes. You will be prescribed some eye drops to put in the eye before you leave your home for the surgery. These drops dilate your pupil.

Most patients should plan to be at the surgery center between 2-3 hours from the registration to discharge.

Yes. Take all prescription medications as you normally would with a sip of water (unless specifically instructed by your doctor). Blood thinner may be stopped 3-7 days prior to surgery at the discretion of the doctor.

Please stop wearing soft contact lenses at least one week prior to surgery, and hard lenses two weeks prior to surgery.

Yes. Please ensure that you have a light breakfast prior to surgery.

Please do not wear any makeup on the day of surgery.

Most patients feel only gentle pressure during cataract removal surgery. However there is no pain.

Most patients only see the bright lights of the microscope.

Generally our anesthesia staff is present. A mild anti-anxiety medication will be administered as needed.

Most patients are able to leave within half an hour of having cataract surgery.

You may have your surgeries one to two weeks apart (unless there is a reason to wait longer.) If applicable, your doctor will discuss this with you.

Most patients’ vision is quite blurred after the surgery from the dilating drops and bright microscope lights.

After the surgery, you will be taken to the recovery room where we will assess your vital signs (pulse, blood pressure etc.). At this time, we will also explain your postoperative instructions and medications to you and a friend or family member.

No, we require patients bring a friend or family member to drive them home due to the medications given.

Generally the anaesthesiologist monitors your vitals including blood pressure. If we are unable to manage your blood pressure with medication, your surgery may be postponed until you consult with your primary physician.

Yes, you will be asked to get investigations done prior to surgery. If you have a complicated medical history, we may ask you to be cleared by your physcian.

Most of the implants used are made of either acrylic, silicone or PMMA (plastic).

The intraocular lens implant will remain in your eye permanently and will not “wear out.”

No, since the intraocular lens is not made up of human tissue, your body cannot reject it.

World over cataracts are removed by ultrasound. In a process called phacoemulsification, ultrasound waves are used to gently break up the cataract before it is removed from the eye. This is the most advanced and accepted modality for treatment of cataract.

Wearing your old glasses will not harm your eyes, but they will probably not give you optimal vision either. Most patients find it best to wear glasses only for reading.

Your ability to see well at close range depends on the type of intraocular lens you received. For most IOLs, it is normal to require reading glasses after cataract surgery.
During at least the first week after surgery, it is essential that you avoid :
Strenuous activity and heavy lifting.
Bending, exercising and similar activities that might stress your eye while it is healing.
Water that might splash into your eye and cause infection. Keep your eye closed while showering or bathing. Also, avoid swimming or hot tubs for at least two weeks.
Any activity that would expose your healing eye to dust, grime or other infection-causing contaminants.

For most cataract surgery patients, vision improves significantly in the first 24-48 hours after surgery. You may drive as soon as you feel comfortable doing so.

Flying after cataract removal surgery will not harm your eye.

It is common for some eye drops to burn or sting. You should continue to use your eye drops as prescribed. However, if your discomfort seems to be worsening, or you experience a decrease in vision, call us immediately.

The white part of the eye (sclera) is covered by a clear layer of tissue (conjunctiva). When a tiny blood vessel breaks, the blood becomes trapped below the conjunctiva. Since the tissue is clear, the blood is clearly visible. If this were to happen on your arm, you would have a blue or purple bruise because the skin is not transparent. This will not affect your vision and will gradually resolve on its own.

This dramatic glare was due to the fact that your pupil was still dilated from the surgery. After dilation wears off, vision should return to normal.

There are many factors that can cause glare. A slight need for glasses (refractive error) is one of the most common reasons you may notice slight glare at night. Also, some patients experience minor corneal swelling after surgery that may cause temporary glare.

This pink tint is due to slight swelling in the retina and is not uncommon after surgery. It will gradually go away as you use your postoperative eye drops. However, always contact your eye doctor if you notice a change in your vision. Since sun exposure can aggravate this problem, it is also important to protect your eyes with sunglasses when outdoors

Patients with cataracts see their world through a yellow tint. It’s just like wearing yellow-tinted (”blue-blocker”) sunglasses, which block colors from the lower end of the color spectrum (blues and violets). When the cataract is removed and replaced with a clear implant, you will see these unfamiliar colors again. This is much more dramatic for some patients than others.

All activities at home are allowed after 2 days, including reading, writing, watching TV, Cooking and taking an evening walk in non crowded areas.

You may wear lipstick and powder immediately after surgery. However, you should avoid eye make-up for two weeks after surgery.