Cataract surgery is a safe, routine procedure. Problems during and after cataract surgery are rare in an experienced surgeon’s hands. Your risk of complications may be higher if you have certain eye diseases or medical conditions. Cataract surgery, also called lens replacement surgery, is the removal of the natural lens of the eye that has developed a cataract, an opaque or cloudy area. The eye’s natural lens is usually replaced with an artificial intraocular lens implant.
The degree of reduction of vision due largely to the cataract is evaluated. While the existence of other sight-threatening diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration or glaucoma, does not preclude cataract surgery, less improvement may be expected in their presence. In cases of uncontrolled glaucoma, a combined cataract-glaucoma procedure (phaco-trabeculectomy) can be planned and performed. The pupil is checked for dilation using eyedrops; if they do not provide a satisfactory result, injected intracameral mydriatics have been shown to be safe and effective for surgery and fast acting. If pharmacologic pupil dilation is insufficient, procedures for mechanical pupil dilatation may be needed during the surgery. People with retinal detachment may be scheduled for a combined vitreo-retinal procedure, along with IOL implantation.
The safety and effectiveness of cataract surgery are generally well established. About 90% of eyes achieve a visual acuity of 6/12 or better after cataract surgery. In eyes with no pre-existing comorbidity, more than 95% can be expected to achieve this outcome.
Yes, you can usually resume watching TV within a day or two after cataract surgery, but it’s essential to avoid straining your eyes and follow your eye doctor’s specific instructions for recovery.