Advances in Cataract Surgery Recovery

Fairfield County Cataract Surgeon Leslie Doctor, M.D. commented on advances in recovery from cataract surgery. “Even though cataract surgery can be a life changing event for patients who have regained their ability to drive safely-especially at night, or enjoy reading again after their cataract is removed-the fact remains that virtually all patients are concerned about their recovery from cataract surgery.”

Dr. Leslie Doctor offers a perspective on the advances in cataract surgery. “Today cataract surgery uses a combination of technology and technique to deliver what we call a “small incision-no needle-no stitch” surgery procedure that is “minimally invasive” so that it delivers a comfortable experience and quick visual recovery for the vast majority of patients. By using a microscopic ultrasonic probe, gently inserted through a 2-3 millimeter incision to liquefy and aspirate the cataract there is a greater margin of safety and faster healing for patients. These tiny incisions are self-sealing so that stitches are usually not required-and this reduces the risk of bleeding, scarring, and irritation and allows a more rapid return to normal activities and good vision. Further, the advanced technology foldable intraocular lens implants (IOL) that we use to correct vision are made of soft, flexible materials and can actually be inserted through these 2-3 millimeter incisions. Probably what makes patients most comfortable is that this combination of techniques and technology allow most of my cataract operations to be performed using topical eye drop anesthesia, eliminating the need for injections around the eye so that patients are pretty much able to use their eyes immediately after surgery and it minimizes the need for patching the eye after surgery.”

“As Norwalk eye surgeons some 40 years ago, my mother and father would discuss performing cataract surgery at Norwalk Hospital where patients needed to stay for a few days after cataract removal and in fact were required to lay still for the eye to heal. There was often discomfort and local anesthesia with needles was the norm. Everyone got stitches that could be uncomfortable for patients,” said Dr. Leslie Doctor.”What a world of difference from what we can do for patients today to make their cataract surgery recovery quick and comfortable.”

Leslie Doctor, M.D. is a Corneal Specialist, Refractive and Cataract Surgeon in Fairfield County, Connecticut where she is Medical Director of Doctor & Associates with offices in Norwalk, Westport and Wilton as well as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at the Yale University School of Medicine in New Haven Connecticut where she teaches advanced techniques of Cataract Surgery & Intraocular Lens Implantation (IOL) to new eye surgeons in Connecticut.

Doctor & Associates serves as ophthalmic consultants for Connecticut patients seeking information, examination and counsel for cataracts, cataract surgery and lens implants, and may be contacted by calling 203-227-4113, or visiting http://www.doctor-and-associates.com/ or facebook.com/doctorandassociates.