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Return to: Home » Health Articles : How to Prepare for Cataract ...
Chattanooga, TN
Cataract Surgery Cost & Profile
- Avg. Cost: $3000
- Candidate: Severe vision changes due to cataract
- Length: 1 hour
- Treatments: One
- Results: Long-lasting
- Back to work: 1-7 days
Common Questions & Answers about Cataract Surgery
"I am 50 yrs old, have been wearing eyeglasses since I was 7 yrs. old for myopia. I now also have bifocals. I've also been told I have severe astigmatism and also congenital cataracts. Could I possilby be a candidate for lasik surgery?"
Latest Cataract Surgery Doctors
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Cataract Surgery Clarksville, Tennessee Harold Calvert, MD |
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Cataract Surgery Wilmington, North Carolina Eye Associates of Wilmington, |
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Cataract Surgery Boulder, Colorado Beyer Laser Center, |
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Cataract Surgery Wichita, Kansas Ochsner Eye Center, |
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Cataract Surgery Murrells Inlet, South Carolina Atlantic Eye Associates, |
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How to Prepare for Cataract Surgery
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Cataract surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis and may require taking certain types of medications and supplements shortly before surgery, making lifestyle changes and taking time off work after your procedure to accommodate for the healing process.
Before you have cataract surgery, your eye will be measured and tested to determine what power of the intraocular lens will be placed in your eye. After that, the doctor may need to undergo several tests to make sure the measurements are accurate, and that you are not experiencing any vision problems that may interfere with the performance of the intraocular lens.
Cataract Surgery: The Process
Cataract surgery is usually performed in under fifteen minutes and will be done on one eye at a time. You can expect to be at the surgeon’s office for about two hours for your procedure to provide enough time to prepare and recover. In most cases, you will need to return to the surgeon few days after the procedure for a follow-up exam.
During the procedure, the skin around the eye will be cleansed and covered with sterile bandages. A small incision is made into the eye, and the surgeon uses an ultrasound-driven instrument to break up the cataract and suction away the debris. In some cases, the doctor will use a special instrument to break up the cloudy lens into very small pieces before removing it directly.
A plastic or silicone intraocular lens is then placed inside the eye to replace the natural lens. After the procedure is over, the eye will be covered with a protective shield, and you will need to use eye drops several times during the day for a few weeks. The protective shield needs to be worn while sleeping, and your eyes must be protected from bright lamps and direct sunlight.
Preparing for Cataract Surgery
Some things that you may be required to do in order to prepare for cataract surgery include:
- Avoid drinking liquids and eating a meal before surgery
- Arrive without makeup
- Prepare to be given a topical anesthetic
- Stop taking certain drugs such as Flomax and similar medications that may interfere with the outcome of the surgery
- Undergo a final eye exam
- Sign an informed consent health waiver
- Make arrangements to have someone drive you home after surgery
- Order corrective glasses
In some cases, the doctor may prescribe antibiotic eye drops one to two days before surgery to reduce the risk of infection. You may also be required not to eat or drink anything for up to 12 hours before the procedure.
After cataract surgery, you will be limited to resting and sleeping for several days. Most surgeons will recommend that you avoid any strenuous activities, bending and lifting, and that you steer clear of direct sunlight and bright lights as often as possible. The complete healing process typically takes about eight weeks, and you will need to get in touch with the doctor if you experience any type of vision loss, increased eye redness, nausea, vomiting or light flashes.
Learn more about cataract surgery in our information guide, or consult with an ophthalmologist in your area to find out what you can expect from this procedure.
Published: 11/27/2009, Last Updated: 11/27/2009
By LocateADoc.com Medical Staff Writers
Our writers strive to present an objective, upfront and open view of the medical procedures you're interested in. We present you with both the good and bad, and work to represent both doctors' and patients' points of view. Our articles contain facts and statistics obtained from medical associations, medical and surgical journals, and through doctor and patient interviews.
Cataract Surgery Surgery Information Guide
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Basics of Cataract Surgery"I've heard about the surgery and I'm looking to learn a bit more about things like cost, whether it's right for me, and what options I have."
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- Cataract Surgery Basics
With new advancements in refractive surgery, many cataract patients can have better vision after surgery than before they developed a cataract. - Intraocular Lens (IOL) Basics
Intraocular lenses (IOLs) offer vision correction to cataract patients and other refractive patients with severe eye problems.
- Cataract Surgery Basics
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Details of Cataract Surgery"I already know some basic things about the surgery and I'm ready to research some of the details and maybe ask some questions."
- Antioxidant Vitamins And Zinc Reduce Risk Of Vision Loss from...
Same Nutrients Have No Effect on the Development of Cataract - New Study Links Lead Exposure with Increased Risk of Cataract...
A recent study supported by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences finds link between catarcts and lead exposure. - Vision Loss From Eye Diseases Will Increase as Americans Age
With the aging of the population, the number of Americans with major eye diseases is increasing, and vision loss is becoming a major public health problem. By the year 2020, the number of people who are blind or have low vision is projected to increase substantially. - FDA Approves Drug for Use in Cataract Surgery
Vision Blue, a drug that aids ophthalmologists during cataract surgery, has earned recent FDA approval.
- Antioxidant Vitamins And Zinc Reduce Risk Of Vision Loss from...
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Ready for Cataract Surgery"I've pretty much finished by research on the surgery and I think I'm ready to find and meet with a doctor to get started."
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- Find Ophthalmologists around Edgemont, NY
- Find Ophthalmologists In Other Cities
- Patient Financing
Think you'll need help paying for your surgery? Almost anyone is a candidate for easy financing of up to 100% of the surgery costs.
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After Cataract Surgery
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Featured Articles & News Related to Cataract Surgery"What other related things might I like to know?"
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- Glaucoma Sufferers: Endoscopic Help Is On The Way
Endoscopic lasers are making treatment for glaucoma and cataracts into an easier, more effective process. - How to Prepare for Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis and may require making several adjustments to your lifestyle. Here's what you can expect from cataract surgery, and tips on preparing for your procedure.
- Glaucoma Sufferers: Endoscopic Help Is On The Way
Related Subjects and Keywords: cataract surgery cataract procedure cataracts cataract surgery guide cataracts doctor opthalmology procedures
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