How to Prepare for Cataract Surgery

Cataracts are the most common cause of blindness worldwide. At Alabata Eye Center, cataract surgery restores a patient’s vision by replacing the natural cloudy lens in a routine, low-risk procedure. 

What is Cataract Surgery?

Cataract surgery removes your natural cloudy lens (cataract) with an artificial intraocular lens implant (IOL). The surgery breaks apart your cataract and gently removes the pieces. After removing the cataract, Dr. Alabata replaces the lens with an artificial IOL. 

There are various options for IOLs, depending on your preferences and lifestyle: 

  • The fixed-focus monofocal IOL, as the name implies, provides a single focus. You may choose distance only vision, intermediate only vision, or near only vision depending upon your desires. A number of patients may still require glasses to correct for the distances not covered.
  • The extended depth of focus monofocal IOL  has a single focus also, but as the name implies, does provide for an intermediate range of focus as well, providing mid range vision in a number of patients
  • The multifocal IOL allows for distance, intermediate, and near focus with little to no need for glasses for most visual tasks.
<em>individual results may vary<em>

How to Prepare for Cataract Surgery

Dr. Alabata performs an optical biometry to measure the length and shape of your eye prior to cataract surgery. Optical biometry provides valuable information to help determine the type of surgery and IOL that may be best for you. Please do not hesitate to ask questions about the pros and cons of the different cataract surgical modalities and IOLs during your consultation. 

Dr. Alabata  will also discuss what to expect on the day of surgery and afterwards. In most cases, you will be asked to refrain from eating and drinking after midnight prior to surgery. Remember, cataract surgery is an outpatient surgery, so arrange a ride to and from the surgery center.

What is the Difference Between Cataract Surgeries?

There are two primary cataract surgeries at Alabata Eye Center: laser-assisted cataract surgery and traditional or manual cataract surgery. 

Laser-assisted cataract surgery creates bladeless incisions, corrects astigmatism, creates the perfect opening in the anterior lens capsule and assists in breaking apart the cataract. This type of surgery also provides precision in centering the IOL of your choice for optimal visual function.

Traditional cataract surgery creates small incisions in the cornea with a surgical blade in a manual fashion. Dr. Alabata inserts a small instrument through the openings to gently break apart the cataract and remove the pieces. After removing the cataract, Dr. Alabata replaces it with an artificial IOL implant. 

Request a Consultation

We’d love to help you get all the information you need in order to make the best choice for your eyes. Request a consultation today! Our staff is available and happy to answer your every question.

How Long is Recovery from Cataract Surgery?

Immediately after cataract surgery, you may experience blurry vision, watery eyes, and mild eye irritation. Most patients at Alabata Eye Center recover their vision within a few days but may be limited in some activities for one to two weeks. 

Dr. Alabata will prescribe medicated eye drops to ensure a safe and effective recovery. Furthermore, we recommend wearing your protective eyeshield while you sleep during the first week of surgery to prevent any accidental damage to your healing eye. Please do not apply anything else around your operative eye other than your prescription eye drops and artificial lubricant drops for two weeks following cataract surgery. 

5 Very friendly, knowledgeable, informative. Great staff, beautiful new building.
Leigh P.

Take the Next Step and Enjoy Better Vision

To schedule your in-person Cataract Consultation, call Alabata Eye Center at (850) 331-3937. A referral is not necessary. Thank you for trusting our professional services.

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