Cataract Surgery
Cataract Surgery
What is cataract surgery?
Cataract surgery is the surgical removal of the cloudy lens, also known as a cataract, and replacement of the removed natural lens with an artificial one. Cataract surgery is safe, effective, and can greatly improve quality of life by restoring clear vision.
Understanding cataracts and cataract surgery
This video provides a clear and helpful guide to understanding cataracts and cataract surgery. It explains what cataracts are, how they are diagnosed, and the details of the cataract surgery procedure, which replaces your eye's cloudy lens with a clear artificial one. You'll also learn what to expect during your recovery and how this surgery can significantly improve your vision.
Appointment Information
To make an appointment, call 734-764-4190.
What lens options are available?
During cataract surgery, the eye's cloudy natural lens is replaced with a clear artificial lens. There are different types and powers of lenses that your surgeon can implant during cataract surgery. During your evaluation, your surgeon will ask you questions to help determine which lens may be best for you. Potential options include:
- Monofocal (standard) lenses: Focus at one distance (far OR near)—insurance usually covers these.
- Toric lenses: Correct astigmatism; may require an additional out-of-pocket cost.
- Multifocal lenses: Provide clear vision at multiple distances, reducing dependency on glasses—out-of-pocket cost usually required.
- Extended Depth of Focus lenses: Provide sharp vision over a range of distances, with some need for reading glasses— out-of-pocket cost usually required.
- Light Adjustable Lens (LAL): lens allowing lens allows fine tuning of vision after surgery by adjusting the lens with a specialized light source—multiple follow-ups required, out-of-pocket cost usually required.
Choosing the right lens
Lens Option Overview
This video provides a comprehensive guide to intraocular lenses (IOLs), which are artificial lenses that replace the natural cloudy lens (cataract) in your eye. The video emphasizes that choosing the right lens is a key step in personalizing your vision outcome.
Monofocal Lenses
This video explains monofocal intraocular lenses used in cataract surgery, which are designed to provide clear focus at one specific distance—either near or far
Toric Lenses
This video explains that toric lenses are a specialized intraocular implant used during cataract surgery to replace a cloudy lens while simultaneously correcting astigmatism
Multifocal Lenses and Extended Depth of Focus
For cataract surgery, multifocal lenses provide the best near vision by using multiple focal points, though they come with a higher risk of glare and halos. Alternatively, extended depth of focus (EDOF/EDF) lenses create an elongated focal zone for smooth, continuous vision with fewer side effects, but may still require reading glasses for close-up tasks.
Light Adjustable Lenses
Light adjustable lenses provide a personalized approach to cataract surgery that allows your ophthalmologist to fine-tune your prescription with UV light after your eye has healed, ensuring vision tailored perfectly to your lifestyle.
What happens during cataract surgery?
Cataract surgery is usually an outpatient procedure:
- Local anesthesia (usually numbing eye drops, sometimes a gentle injection) ensures comfort.
- You are awake but relaxed; often a light sedative is given.
- A small incision is made in your eye, and the cloudy lens is gently removed—sometimes with the help of a laser.
- The lens is replaced with a clear artificial lens (called an intraocular lens, orIOL).
- The procedure is short and the majority of patients go home the same day. Some patients with special circumstances or conditions may need to be admitted to the hospital for monitoring. Your surgeon will discuss with you if this is the case for you.
Follow-up appointments should be made within 24-48 hours post-surgery to check healing and pressure.
Further visits as needed, depending on your symptoms and risk factors.
Glasses can be prescribed once your vision has stabilized, usually at a visit one month after your surgery
What are the risks of cataract surgery?
Although rare, complications can include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Increased eye pressure
- Retinal detachment
- Swelling of the cornea or retina
- Dislocation of the new lens
- Persistent inflammation or dryness
Most complications are treatable, especially if caught early, so follow-up is important.
How long does recovery take?
Most people notice better vision within several days.
Blurriness, redness, or mild discomfort is normal initially.
Avoid strenuous activity and protect your eye- your surgeon will give you detailed instructions.
Full healing typically takes one month.
Your eye condition and surgery will determine your specific recovery time. Discuss with your doctor if you have conditions (such as diabetes or kidney failure) which may impact your recovery time.
What to expect during recovery
This video walks you through what recovery looks like after cataract surgery and reminds you that your eye needs time to heal. It explains common, normal symptoms—like some redness or blurry vision—and also points out the more serious signs, such as sudden vision loss or strong pain, that mean you should get medical help right away. You’ll also learn when it’s safe to ease back into your usual activities and how to use your prescribed eye drops correctly to support healing.
Locations
-
Comprehensive Ophthalmology & Cataract Surgery Clinic | Kellogg Eye Center 1000 Wall St
Floor 1
Ann Arbor, MI 48105-1912Get Directions -
Ophthalmology Clinic | Brighton Center for Specialty Care 7500 Challis Rd
Entrance 1, Level 2
Brighton, MI 48116-9416Get Directions
Doctors
Jill Elizabeth Bixler, MD
Clinical Assistant Professor
Ophthalmology
Theresa M Cooney, MD
Clinical Associate Professor
Ophthalmology
Julia Dalia, MD
Clinical Assistant Professor
Ophthalmology
Pauline Dmitriev, MD
Clinical Assistant Professor
Ophthalmology
Angela Renee Elam, MD, MPH
Assistant Professor
Ophthalmology, Oculoplastics Ophthalmology
Charles Ross Frank, MD
Clinical Assistant Professor
Ophthalmology
Sarah Jayne Garnai, MD
Clinical Instructor
Ophthalmology
Farida Esaa Hakim, MD
Clinical Assistant Professor
Ophthalmology
Sean Owen Hansen, MD
Clinical Assistant Professor
Ophthalmology
Christopher Thomas Hood, MD
Clinical Associate Professor
Ophthalmology
Patient Resources
Frequently Asked Questions about Cataract Surgery
Is cataract surgery safe?
Cataract surgery is one of the safest, most common surgeries performed worldwide. Complication rates are low, and most people recover their vision quickly, provided instructions are followed.
Will I experience pain during cataract surgery?
Cataract surgery is well tolerated with minimal to no discomfort during the procedure. Topical medications (eye drops) and possibly a light sedative are used for comfort; in rare cases, a gentle injection is needed. You will be awake but not anxious, and you’ll see a bright light but not the actual procedure.
How do I care for my artificial lens implant?
The artificial IOL placed during surgery is permanent and requires no care. You cannot feel it inside your eye. Your eye doctor will guide you regarding activities and eye protection in the initial recovery weeks.
Will I still need glasses after cataract surgery?
Glasses may be needed after cataract surgery. If you receive a monofocal lens, you will likely need glasses for either near or distance. Multifocal or Extended depth of focus lenses may reduce your need for glasses for most activities, but some tasks may still require them. Discuss with your doctor if glasses will be needed after surgery in your case.
How do I know which lens is right for me?
Your surgeon will help you decide by considering your lifestyle, visual needs (distance, near, or intermediate vision), eye health, expectations, and insurance coverage.
What symptoms are normal after cataract surgery?
Mild discomfort such as itchiness, scratchiness, foreign body sensation (feeling like there is something in your eye), tearing, mild pain, redness of the eye, and blurry vision (especially during the first day as your brain adapts) is common. These usually resolve within days or weeks.
When can I drive after cataract surgery?
Generally, driving is not recommended for the first 24 hours due to the effects of anesthesia. Please discuss with your doctor.
When can I get new glasses?
A new prescription is usually given after your vision stabilizes—typically one month after surgery.
Activity Restrictions
- Avoid rubbing your eye.
- No heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for at least a week.
- Avoid bending over with your head below your waist for the first 48 hours.
- No swimming for 2-4 weeks.
- Showering is fine after a day, but avoid direct water pressure to your eye.
- Light activities like walking/tv/reading/computer work can often be resumed within hours.
- Discuss with your doctor for restrictions associated with specific activities.
What should I do if I have pain or vision changes after surgery?
Contact your ophthalmologist immediately or go to the ER if you have:
Ongoing, severe pain
Increasing redness in the eye
Sudden change or loss of vision
Flashes of light
Dark curtain effect (like a shade drawn over your vision)
Nausea/vomiting with vision changes or pain
Early treatment leads to the best outcomes.
What is dry eye, and how does it relate to cataract surgery?
Dry eye is a frequent cause of blurred or fluctuating vision after cataract surgery. Symptoms include burning sensation, tearing, trouble focusing, and foreign body sensation. Cataract surgery may worsen dryness, and it can take weeks to months to improve.
Use sterile, preservative-free artificial tears frequently as directed.
Warm compresses may help.
Discuss other interventions with your ophthalmologist.
What medications/eye drops will I need after surgery?
You may be instructed to use anti-inflammatory and antibiotic drops to prevent infection and swelling. Lubricating artificial tears are also often recommended for comfort.
Wash your hands before use.
Wait at least 5 minutes between different drops.
Always use sterile, unopened bottles for artificial tears.
How do intraocular lenses (IOLs) work?
An IOL replaces your cloudy natural lens, restoring clear vision. The type of lens can be chosen based on your vision needs, lifestyle, eye measurements, and budget.
Can lens implants correct astigmatism?
Yes, toric lenses are designed to correct astigmatism during cataract surgery. Multifocal and EDOF lenses can also correct astigmatism.
Can I adjust my vision after surgery?
Light Adjustable Lenses (LAL) allow your doctor to fine-tune your vision after surgery via UV light treatments—but you must wear protective glasses until finished.
What if I have other eye conditions (like macular degeneration or glaucoma)?
Your surgeon will tailor your cataract treatment to your overall eye health. Some conditions may impact your post-surgical vision and lens selection.
How long does a lens implant last?
IOLs are designed to be permanent and rarely need to be replaced.
Will both eyes be treated at the same time?
Usually, one eye is treated first and the second a few weeks later, allowing time for recovery and assessment.
Can cataracts come back after surgery?
No, cataracts cannot “come back”—but occasionally, the thin membrane behind your new lens may cloud (called posterior capsule opacification, PCO). This can be painlessly treated with a laser in the clinic.
Is cataract surgery covered by insurance?
Standard surgery and basic/fixed-focus lenses are usually covered. Premium lenses (toric, multifocal, extended depth of focus, LAL) typically require an extra out-of-pocket cost.
Can I have cataract surgery if I’m on blood thinners?
Most patients can safely proceed without stopping blood thinners, but your medical history will be reviewed and your medications may need adjustment pre-operatively.
How soon after surgery can I exercise or return to work?
Most routine activities can be resumed within a day or two, but vigorous exercise or heavy lifting should be avoided for one week. Avoid swimming for 2-4 weeks. Discuss with your eye doctor for their recommendations for you.
Will my new lens affect airport security or MRI scans?
No—the lens implant is made of safe material and is not detected by airport scanners or affected by MRI.
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