​Your cataract questions answered

If you watched our first Five on Friday Facebook Live event, you would have heard answers to a number of questions about cataracts from Ophthalmologist Vipul Shah, MD. However, he didn’t have time to answer all of them. So, if you missed the live event, or just want a refresher, you can watch the video below. When you're done with that, read on for answers to the additional questions we received.

What is the cataract surgery procedure like?

Cataract surgery is an uncomplicated, straightforward procedure. Generally, your doctor will make a minor incision in your eye. A small ultrasound probe will break up and remove your cataracts, and a new lens will be placed in your eye. Stitches are usually not required, and a bandage or patch will be placed over your eye to protect it afterward.

Some physicians also use lasers in cataract care. Femto Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery, or FLACS, reduces the astigmatism by relaxing the cornea at a precise depth, length, and orientation. The Femto Laser also replaces many of the steps during cataract surgery that require a blade – making this a bladeless procedure – and softens the cataract, allowing for an easier and smoother removal.

How long does cataract surgery take?

Cataract surgery only takes about 15 minutes. While some people report clear vision after a few hours, it’s not uncommon for patients to take a week or two to fully regain their vision.

What types of cataract lenses are available?

There is a variety of options for intraocular lens implants used to restore patients' vision. These implants are placed during the cataract procedure. Options may include implants that correct for distance, intermediate and near vision as well as astigmatism.

• Monofocal lens implants allow you to focus at only one distance. Some patients choose to get monofocal lenses with different focal points, so one eye is set for distance vision and one for near vision.
• Multifocal lenses give you multiple focal points for near and distance vision, and are designed to reduce your need for glasses.
• Toric lenses are designed to treat astigmatism and provide clear distance or near vision. These implants are like monofocal lenses in that they provide a single point of focus.
• The Symfony Intraocular Lens is an Extended Depth of Focus implant. These lenses improve image quality, contrast in dim light, and color saturation. This lens implant provides a continuous range of near, intermediate, and far vision, whereby most patients are able to reduce their dependence on glasses.
• ReSTOR Multifocal IOLs distribute light to distant and either intermediate or near focal points, whereby most patients are able to reduce their dependence on glasses. Some patients may find they need additional light to see in dim lighting conditions from this technology, which may become less noticeable over time.
• The Tecnis Multifocal Intraocular Lens allows you to see at near, intermediate, and far distances under any lighting conditions. Tecnis offers three Multifocal lens options, each of which is geared to meet your specific lifestyle needs.

Make sure to visit our Facebook page at 12:30 p.m. on June 29, when ENT doctor Christopher Tebbit, MD, will answer your questions about pediatric ENT care.

This blog is for informational purposes only. For specific medical questions, please consult your physician. If you have cataracts and would like to make an appointment with Dr. Shah or any of CEENTA’s ophthalmologists, call 704-295-3000. You can also schedule an appointment online or through myCEENTAchart.