Sedation lasts 15 to 30 minutes, though you may feel drowsy for several hours afterward. The duration depends on how much sedation you request and how your body processes sedative medications.
Most patients feel little to no pain. You will receive numbing drops and medication to help you relax Tell us if you feel discomfort so we can adjust medication. After surgery, your eye may feel scratchy for a few days.
The surgery itself takes less than 15 minutes. Expect to be at the surgical center for up to 3 hours for preparation and recovery. You will need someone to drive you home.
Sensitivity varies. Patients who regularly use alcohol, anxiety medications, or opiate pain medications may need more sedation. Numbing drops block pain but not pressure, which some people may perceive as discomfort.
Sedative medications can cause short-term memory loss (amnesia). Many patients forget details of their first surgery, making the second feel different. They will tell us “I don’t remember any of this from my first surgery.” Because amnesia is a side effect, we cannot control it. We work to keep you equally comfortable for both eyes.
Cataract surgery is one of the most common procedures, with a 98% success rate. Risks are low but include infection, bleeding, retinal detachment, lens movement, and vision loss. We take many added precautions at Gulfcoast Eye Care to reduce the risks of cataract surgery.
While cataract surgery does not generally change your floaters in any long-term way, floaters may seem more noticeable after surgery once the cataract is gone.
These are a crescent-shaped shadow or a dark line at the side of your vision. The cause is not fully understood, but they usually fade over the first year.
The surface of the eye heals in about 1 week. Vision usually stabilizes within 1 to 2 months, while full healing may take up to 3 months. Healing speed depends on your overall health, eye health, and how advanced the cataract was. Conditions such as diabetes and Fuch’s Dystrophy can slow healing. Some differences in healing time are not possible to predict in advance.
Most patients notice clearer vision within the initial days and weeks. Vision typically continues to improve and stabilize over 1 to 2 months, with complete recovery taking about 3 months.
Usually within 1 to 3 days, once your vision meets legal driving standards. Many can drive the next day. If you are unsure, ask us at your first postoperative visit.
Yes, for normal daily tasks like putting on shoes. We recommend avoiding prolonged inversion (such as with yoga poses or inversion racks) and heavy lifting during the first week. If you want to be extra cautious, bend at your knees rather than at your waist.
You may if they help the untreated eye. Wearing glasses won’t hurt the eye that has had cataract surgery. Final glasses are usually prescribed 4 to 6 weeks later.
Avoid this. It often causes imbalance although this depends upon the prescription difference between your two eyes. Ask about a temporary solution if needed.
The surface of the eye heals in about 1 week. Vision usually stabilizes within 1 to 2 months, while full healing may take up to 3 months. Healing speed depends on your overall health, eye health, and how advanced the cataract was. Conditions such as diabetes and Fuch’s Dystrophy can slow healing. Some differences in healing time are not possible to predict in advance.
Most patients notice clearer vision within the initial days and weeks. Vision typically continues to improve and stabilize over 1 to 2 months, with complete recovery taking about 3 months.
Usually within 1 to 3 days, once your vision meets legal driving standards. Many can drive the next day. If you are unsure, ask us at your first postoperative visit.
Yes, for normal daily tasks like putting on shoes. We recommend avoiding prolonged inversion (such as with yoga poses or inversion racks) and heavy lifting during the first week. If you want to be extra cautious, bend at your knees rather than at your waist.
