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.

Aspheric or Monofocal Lens Implants?

Question: I will be going in to have my eye evaluated for cataract surgery. I will have to choose a lens implant. I would like to be fitted with a monofocal lens implant and then use eyeglasses with progressive lenses. Would using aspheric lens implants be more beneficial than regular monofocal lens implants?

Answer: An aspheric lens implant is actually a monofocal lens implant in that it has only one focal length and thus in general only corrects distance vision. A monofocal lens implant is a somewhat old design in that it simply doesn’t give the best vision-especially in terms of dim illumination. Thus, today, if patients have cataract surgery and wish to wear any type of near vision eyeglasses, the best vision is achieved with aspheric lens implants. There are a few instances where the aberrations of your eyes might make an aspheric lens implant and inappropriate choice but this is somewhat unusual and when you have your cataract surgery evaluation your cataract surgeon will certainly evaluate you and recommend the best choice.

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 Not Ripe for Surgery

Question: My 65 year old mother has a cataract on her left eye. According to the eye doctor they won’t remove it because of her extreme dry eye, as well as the cataract isn't ripe enough for surgery. What exactly does that mean, and should we get a second opinion?

Answer: First, the notion that the cataract is not ripe enough to be removed with cataract surgery is just nonsense. If and when the cataract interferes with vision, mobility, safety and general daily living activities-then it is time to ask a cataract surgeon to evaluate her for cataract surgery and lens implants. Being “ripe” is a 20 year old concept and has no relevance if there is glare sensitivity or any vision comprise as noted above. Even with a dry eye, there are many treatments that are appropriate to effect a more stable healthy tear film including artificial tear eye drops, tiny punctal plugs to help retain tears, dietary supplements, prescription eye drops to help you make more tears and even other prescription drops and laser treatments to treat underlying causes of dry eye. Bottom line-get another doctor who is a top cataract surgeon in your area.

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.

Dry Eye Symptoms of Pain & Pressure

Question: Does dry eye cause pain and pressure on eye?

Answer: The most common symptoms of dry eyes include dryness, itching, burning, irritation or grittiness, redness, blurry vision that gets clearer as you blink, light sensitivity and contrary to common sense….excessive tearing. In severe dry eye it is possible to experience pain and even a sensation of pressure of fullness on the eyeball itself.

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.

Discomfort after Cataract Surgery

Question: Why do I have discomfort? My eye feels like it has a torn contact in my eye after having the cataract surgery six weeks ago?

Answer: It is impossible to tell why you have discomfort and a foreign body sensation after cataract surgery without a thorough examination. However, there are some possibilities to consider. First, you do not say whether a suture or stitch was used to seal the incision. While is this is typically removed before 6 weeks after your surgery, there could be a small stand of stitch left in place. It is also that you have some dry eye related symptoms that feel like a foreign body or even other ocular surface or eyelid problems such as follicular conjunctivitis. In any event you need to schedule an appointment with your cataract surgeon and ask them to give you a diagnosis and recommend a treatment as you should not be experiencing this during this phase of the healing process.

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.

Blurry Blueish Film after Cataract Surgery

Question: I am two weeks + post cataract surgery in my right eye. My vision is blurry and appears to be a blueish film. My doctor says all looks perfect.  Vision tested at 20/60 worse than before the implant.  I am thinking of cancelling my second eye cataract removal which is now 20/40 with no correction. Not sure what to do.

Answer: Your situation requires further investigation and examination to determine the cause of your symptoms. These are not expected or acceptable and should give pause for scheduling the second eye surgery. There is a long list of possibilities but it is impossible to know from an e-mail. But many causes need to be considered including uncorrected refractive error, corneal problems such as dry eye or edema, posterior capsular opacification, macular problems such as cystoid macular edema, early age related macular degeneration (AMD), Epi-retinal membrane formation which is also called macular pucker-and more. 20/60 is too bad of a vision to proceed with the other eye unless there is a good answer as to why it is 20/60. The first step is to get a definitive diagnosis and treatment if necessary. If your current cataract surgeon cannot provide a clear diagnosis, you need to schedule an appointment with another cataract surgeon and get one before proceeding with the second eye cataract surgery.

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.

Flying after Cataract Surgery

Question: How long after having cataractsurgery do I have to wait to fly?

Answer:  The best answer would be provided by your cataract surgeon. However, assuming that you have relatively routine cataract surgery without complications-most cataract surgeons require their patients to be examined the first day after cataract surgery and again at about 5-8 days after a cataract operation. This is the period of time where rare, but potentially serious, complications would likely be detected, if they were to occur. Beyond this period of time it is more a matter of making sure that you have access to continued follow up care at your cataract surgeon’s direction. If you are contemplating a trip after your cataract surgery you should discuss this with your cataract surgeon and they can give you any additional advice you might need regarding air travel as it would apply to your post operative instructions.

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.