Cataract Surgery

No, cataract surgery is not painful. You'll receive numbing eye drops and often light sedation to keep you relaxed. Most patients feel only slight pressure during the procedure. Afterward, mild discomfort or itching is normal but can be managed with drops and over-the-counter pain relievers.

The actual surgery takes only 15-20 minutes per eye. However, plan to be at the surgery center for about 2-3 hours total, including preparation, surgery, and initial recovery observation before going home.

Many patients notice improved vision within 24-48 hours. However, it can take 1-2 weeks for vision to stabilize as the eye heals. Full visual recovery and adaptation to your new lens may take 4-6 weeks.

Typically, each eye is operated on separately, usually 1-2 weeks apart. This allows the first eye to heal and ensures any rare complications can be addressed before proceeding with the second eye.

No, a cataract cannot return once removed. However, some patients develop "posterior capsule opacification" (PCO), sometimes called a "secondary cataract." This is easily treated with a quick, painless laser procedure called YAG capsulotomy.

It depends on your IOL choice. With a standard monofocal IOL, you'll likely need reading glasses. Premium multifocal or EDOF lenses reduce glasses dependence significantly. Dr. Ma will discuss options based on your lifestyle needs.

Standard cataract surgery with a monofocal IOL is typically covered by Medicare and most insurance plans. Premium IOLs and laser-assisted surgery involve additional out-of-pocket costs. We'll provide a detailed cost breakdown during your consultation and offer payment plan options.

Cataract surgery is one of the safest surgeries performed today. Serious complications are rare (less than 1%). Potential risks include infection, bleeding, inflammation, retinal detachment, and lens dislocation. Dr. Ma will discuss all risks and how we minimize them during your consultation.