Cataract Surgery, Jacuzzi Spa & Mud Bath

Question: How long after cataract surgery can one go to a mud bath and mineral spring Jacuzzi spa. I will be traveling to Napa Valley one week after surgery and wonder if I could enjoy this experience.

Answer: It is always best to ask your cataract surgeon as there may or may not be special considerations based on the type of cataract surgery, how the procedure was performed and tolerated-however, conservatively and safely--a 2 week delay after cataract surgery should be sufficient.

Important Note: The information presented on the About Cataract Surgery Blog or provided in response to a request for information in the Ask Cataract Surgeons section on aboutcataractsurgery.com is not intended to diagnose or treat eye problems, eye conditions or eye diseases including appropriateness of treatment, risks, complications or side effects as related to Cataracts, Cataract Surgery or Lens Implants. In particular a response to an inquiry made on the Ask Cataract Surgeons section of aboutcataractsurgery.com is not meant to take the place of the professional medical care provided by your eye doctor, ophthalmologist and Cataract Surgeon. Contacting us via e-mail or any other means is not a substitute for medical care.

Aspheric Lens Implants with Glaucoma

Question: What is the difference between aspheric lens implants and Alcon lens Implants for cataract surgery. Which is better with glaucoma?

Answer: Aspheric lens implants are manufactured by a number of lens implant companies including Alcon. Each aspheric lens design is slightly different, but each is designed to correct aberrations and provide good distance vision after cataract surgery. The manufacturer selected is a preference of your cataract surgeon depending on their surgical technique and the anatomical features of your eyes. Thus, if you have glaucoma and there are specific characteristics of the inner structures of your eye they might choose one manufacturer over another-it is NOT your choice-ask your cataract surgeon.

Important Note: The information presented on the About Cataract Surgery Blog or provided in response to a request for information in the Ask Cataract Surgeons section on aboutcataractsurgery.com is not intended to diagnose or treat eye problems, eye conditions or eye diseases including appropriateness of treatment, risks, complications or side effects as related to Cataracts, Cataract Surgery or Lens Implants. In particular a response to an inquiry made on the Ask Cataract Surgeons section of aboutcataractsurgery.com is not meant to take the place of the professional medical care provided by your eye doctor, ophthalmologist and Cataract Surgeon. Contacting us via e-mail or any other means is not a substitute for medical care.

Laser Cataract Surgery with High Eye Pressure

Question: My Mom is 60 and we are researching having a cataract surgery on her left eye. She has IOP of 26 and 28 in her left and right eye. She also has dry eyes. Is traditional cataract surgery better for her or is laser-assisted cataractsurgery better for her? We are looking for minimum complications or side effects, not necessarily best refractive outcome. She would be very happy with a bare minimum of complications.

Answer: The decision to have laser cataract surgery or traditional cataract should really be made with the cataract surgeon performing the procedure. BOTH types of cataract surgery provide excellent outcomes when performed by skilled surgeons. BOTH types of cataract surgery can have complications and side effects. Laser cataract surgery is highly reproducible and precise and gentler on the inner eye tissues. Your understanding of laser cataract surgery is correct-that it can temporarily elevate the intraocular pressure. Now, you do not state whether your mother has a normal optic nerve, normal nerve fiber layer and normal visual fields or whether she is actively being treated for glaucoma. IF upon visual field testing or Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) there are any irregularities or defects, it is probable that her cataract surgeon will advise against laser cataract surgery. But, this is call made by the surgeon. Your best bet is to find the best cataract surgeon in your area and get their advice based on the specific findings during her cataract evaluation. Also-you mention that you are not seeking the best refractive outcome. You may want to reconsider this, as the goal of cataract surgery isn’t just to remove the cataract but to provide your mother with the best possible visual functioning-which does indeed require a precise refractive correction through proper selection of lens implants.

Important Note: The information presented on the About Cataract Surgery Blog or provided in response to a request for information in the Ask Cataract Surgeons section on aboutcataractsurgery.com is not intended to diagnose or treat eye problems, eye conditions or eye diseases including appropriateness of treatment, risks, complications or side effects as related to Cataracts, Cataract Surgery or Lens Implants. In particular a response to an inquiry made on the Ask Cataract Surgeons section of aboutcataractsurgery.com is not meant to take the place of the professional medical care provided by your eye doctor, ophthalmologist and Cataract Surgeon. Contacting us via e-mail or any other means is not a substitute for medical care.

Cataract Surgery with Astigmatism & Prism

Question: I will be having cataract surgery on both eyes in the next few months. I have significant myopia and prism - which I understand that the cataract surgery will not correct, so that I will still need corrective lenses after the surgery. I also have significant astigmatism. The cataract surgeon has suggested using toric implant lenses to correct the astigmatism but I am wondering whether basic monofocal implants might be a better choice since I will need to wear glasses after surgery anyway and the glasses can correct both the astigmatism and the prism.

The toric lenses would cost a total of $2400 more than the monofocal lensimplants which I can deal with so I am only concerned with making the best long-term choice. 

Answer: The goal of cataract surgery is to give you the best overall functional vision that you can achieve so that you can participate in whatever activities you wish in the most comfortable and safest manner. With modern cataract surgery and lens implants it is possible to correct your nearsightedness and astigmatism-but not the prism correction, upon removal of the cataract. This would be the best choice to consider-even though you will need eyeglasses for the prism correction as it will provide the greatest degree of clarity. Sure, you could have BOTH the astigmatism and the prism correction in the eyeglasses-but as you will likely find out, it is much more comfortable and convenient to see your best even without the glasses. Generally speaking, the less dependent you can be on eyeglasses, the better and safer the quality of life-have the toric lens implant if that’s what your cataract surgeon suggests.

Important Note: The information presented on the About Cataract Surgery Blog or provided in response to a request for information in the Ask Cataract Surgeons section on aboutcataractsurgery.com is not intended to diagnose or treat eye problems, eye conditions or eye diseases including appropriateness of treatment, risks, complications or side effects as related to Cataracts, Cataract Surgery or Lens Implants. In particular a response to an inquiry made on the Ask Cataract Surgeons section of aboutcataractsurgery.com is not meant to take the place of the professional medical care provided by your eye doctor, ophthalmologist and Cataract Surgeon. Contacting us via e-mail or any other means is not a substitute for medical care.

Anesthesia Blocks for Cataract Surgery

Question: My mother recently had cataract surgery and is having a difficult time with blood behind the eye.  Her cataract surgeon said he had to use a "block" on her.  What does that mean?  I can't find anything on the internet that talks about a "block' during cataract surgery.

Answer: There are a number of ways in which cataract surgeons can anesthetize the patient and their eyes for cataract surgery. Today, rarely if ever is general anesthesia used as the main types of anesthesia are “topical” or “blocks” when performing routine cataract surgery. Topical anesthesia is typically achieved by instilling several sets of eye drops in the eye and the surface of the eye-and in almost all instances some oral tablets are administered to relax the patient. Blocks can be of several types including a “retrobulbar block” whereby the anesthetic is placed in the space behind they eye with a needle, a “regional block” of the areas around the eye, a “sub-Tenon’s block” or even a combination of anesthesia techniques. All of the approaches to cataract anesthesia provide adequate pain control, and serious problems are rare. As a result, the choice of technique usually comes down to a physician’s preference and comfort level and any concerns or preferences the patient may have.

Important Note: The information presented on the About Cataract Surgery Blog or provided in response to a request for information in the Ask Cataract Surgeons section on aboutcataractsurgery.com is not intended to diagnose or treat eye problems, eye conditions or eye diseases including appropriateness of treatment, risks, complications or side effects as related to Cataracts, Cataract Surgery or Lens Implants. In particular a response to an inquiry made on the Ask Cataract Surgeons section of aboutcataractsurgery.com is not meant to take the place of the professional medical care provided by your eye doctor, ophthalmologist and Cataract Surgeon. Contacting us via e-mail or any other means is not a substitute for medical care.

Eyelid Problem after Cataract Surgery

Question: My friend recently had cataract surgery and her eyelid closes and thins out, like she can’t keep it opened. Is it normal? Can she have surgery to fix it?

Answer: What you are describing might be due to some residual swelling in the eyelid from the speculum used during the cataract surgery, or it could be a slight ptosis or droopy lid caused by the speculum-difficult to say but worth scheduling a visit to the cataract surgeon who performed the procedure and bringing it to his or her attention to see what the exact cause is and what can be done.

Important Note: The information presented on the About Cataract Surgery Blog or provided in response to a request for information in the Ask Cataract Surgeons section on aboutcataractsurgery.com is not intended to diagnose or treat eye problems, eye conditions or eye diseases including appropriateness of treatment, risks, complications or side effects as related to Cataracts, Cataract Surgery or Lens Implants. In particular a response to an inquiry made on the Ask Cataract Surgeons section of aboutcataractsurgery.com is not meant to take the place of the professional medical care provided by your eye doctor, ophthalmologist and Cataract Surgeon. Contacting us via e-mail or any other means is not a substitute for medical care.

No Intermediate Vision after Cataract Surgery

Question: I am 47 and had cataract surgery approximately 6 weeks ago.  I have blurred/spotty vision, which I was told is the folding/scarring and can be corrected with laser. The main issue I am having is midrange vision.  I don't feel it is a clear/focused as it should be. For example, if I am cooking or cleaning, I feel like I have to strain to see it well enough. I knew prior I would have to wear "cheaters" for reading/computer, but almost feel as if I need them for simple tasks like cooking.  I was told my eyes are not as flexible now that the lenses have been placed and may need bifocals for close up and midrange vision.  I thought I would not need anything but the cheaters after cataract surgery.  Everything seems just slightly "off" and it is unnerving. How can I be sure I had the right prescription lens placed?  I know once the laser is done I cannot have it changed.  When they did a 2 week out exam, my distant vision was still not 20/20.  I just don't know what to do to correct my vision issues.

Answer: During cataract surgery the cloudy crystalline lens in your eye is removed and replaced with a clear plastic lens implant. There are several types of lens implants that all correct vision somewhat differently-depending on what you choose and what your cataract surgeon recommends. A basic monofocal lens implant ONLY corrects distance vision-NOT intermediate or near vision really at all and requires bifocals, progressives or reading glasses or “cheaters” to see anything in the midrange or up close. Certain aspheric lens implants, although they are actually only monofocal, do afford some slight intermediate or midrange vision-BUT STILL REQUIRE bifocals, progressives or reading glasses or “cheaters” to see anything in the midrange or up close clearly. Multifocal or Accommodating Lens Implants allow patients to see far, near and in between typically without the use or full time dependence on glasses. We do not know which type was discussed with you or what type you have. If you are concerned with the accuracy of the prescription then ask your cataract surgeon for a current refraction and see if a mild pair of eyeglasses might be of help.

Important Note: The information presented on the About Cataract Surgery Blog or provided in response to a request for information in the Ask Cataract Surgeons section on aboutcataractsurgery.com is not intended to diagnose or treat eye problems, eye conditions or eye diseases including appropriateness of treatment, risks, complications or side effects as related to Cataracts, Cataract Surgery or Lens Implants. In particular a response to an inquiry made on the Ask Cataract Surgeons section of aboutcataractsurgery.com is not meant to take the place of the professional medical care provided by your eye doctor, ophthalmologist and Cataract Surgeon. Contacting us via e-mail or any other means is not a substitute for medical care.

Glare & Halo from Cataracts

Question: I have cataracts in both eyes, and experience night glare and halos which keep me from driving at night. Will it be necessary to have surgery on both eyes before I will see improvement in the glare/halo caused by the cataracts?

Answer: Without knowing the type and position of the cataract in each it is tough to tell specifically in your case which eye or whether both eyes cataracts are contributing to the glare, halo and night driving problems you are experiencing. In general, there is typically some degree of uniformity and we might assume that both eyes are causing your vision problems. In general, we also know that you will experience immediate but NOT complete improvement after the first eye has the cataract removed and a lens implant put in place-and we also know that the best vision results and best functional vision are achieved after BOTH eyes have cataract surgery and lens implants. You may be interested in knowing that researchers reporting in the journal Ophthalmology studied the impact that cataract and cataract surgery have on clinical measurements of vision, reading speed, objective mobility performance and subjective visual functioning. The results showed that patients who had the cataract surgery in both eyes demonstrated better visual performance, better mobility-based task performance and even scored better on the Activities of Daily Vision Scale (ADVS). Thus, even though patients might find a great improvement after having cataract surgery in only one eye, the data indicate that having cataract surgery on both eyes provides the best visual functioning.

Important Note: The information presented on the About Cataract Surgery Blog or provided in response to a request for information in the Ask Cataract Surgeons section on aboutcataractsurgery.com is not intended to diagnose or treat eye problems, eye conditions or eye diseases including appropriateness of treatment, risks, complications or side effects as related to Cataracts, Cataract Surgery or Lens Implants. In particular a response to an inquiry made on the Ask Cataract Surgeons section of aboutcataractsurgery.com is not meant to take the place of the professional medical care provided by your eye doctor, ophthalmologist and Cataract Surgeon. Contacting us via e-mail or any other means is not a substitute for medical care.

Problem after Cataract Surgery

Question:  I have a problem that has persisted for 14 months after my cataract surgery in that I have a leaking membrane-not sure where to go or what to do.

Answer: Unfortunately, from your description it is not possible to really understand what you mean by a “leaking membrane”. This could mean that there was a complication during cataract surgery and there was a rupture of the vitreous gel or it could mean that there was a subretinal neovascular membrane that formed spontaneously and leaked fluid and/or blood under the macula or any one of a number of other conditions or complications. There is no way to tell what you are referring to. That said, the most prudent course of action is to schedule a consultation fr a second opinion with an eye surgeon who is a retina specialist to determine the exact nature of the problem and what might be possible if there is a need for treatment.

Important Note: The information presented on the About Cataract Surgery Blog or provided in response to a request for information in the Ask Cataract Surgeons section on aboutcataractsurgery.com is not intended to diagnose or treat eye problems, eye conditions or eye diseases including appropriateness of treatment, risks, complications or side effects as related to Cataracts, Cataract Surgery or Lens Implants. In particular a response to an inquiry made on the Ask Cataract Surgeons section of aboutcataractsurgery.com is not meant to take the place of the professional medical care provided by your eye doctor, ophthalmologist and Cataract Surgeon. Contacting us via e-mail or any other means is not a substitute for medical care.