Did I receive a lens implant?

The cataract is actually the lens of your eye. Since the lens is responsible for 1/3 of the eye’s focusing power, it must be replaced with a lens implant for you to see clearly. Intraocular lenses are required except in very rare cases of extreme nearsightedness.

What is my implant made of?

 The implants used at St. Luke’s are made of either silicone or PMMA (plastic). Each lens has specific indications and the doctor determines which lens is best suited for you based on a number of factors.

How long will my implant last?

 The intraocular lens is placed permanently in your eye and will not "wear out".

Can my eye reject the lens implant?

 No, since the intraocular lens is not human tissue, your body cannot reject it.

Was laser used to remove my cataract?

 Your cataract was removed by ultrasound, not laser. In a process called phacoemulsification, sound waves gently break up the cataract and it is removed from the eye. However, lasers are presently being developed to remove cataracts.

Should I wear my old glasses after surgery?

 Wearing your old glasses will not harm your eyes, but since the prescription won't be optimal for your surgery eye, you will probably see best without them. Most patients find it easiest to only wear glasses for reading.

I see great at a distance, but why can’t I read without glasses?

 Your implant is a single-focus lens. If your lens was chosen for distance vision, you will need reading glasses for close range work. Some patients elect to have one eye focused for close vision so they can read without glasses. However, this may compromise distance vision. Patients who require precise distance vision do best with both eyes focused for distance and reading glasses for near.

Is it safe to resume activities I enjoy such as golf and reading?

 We encourage you to resume normal activities as soon as you wish. Routine activities such as bending and lifting will not harm your surgery.

How soon may I resume driving after surgery?

 Most cataract surgery patients enjoy a significant improvement in their vision within the first 24 hours. You may drive when you feel comfortable.

Is it safe to fly after cataract surgery?

 Flying will not harm your eye after cataract surgery.

When may I wear make-up again?

 You may wear make-up on your face such as lipstick and powder immediately after surgery, but eye make-up should be avoided for two weeks.

Is it safe to have my hair done or get a permanent?

 Just like before your cataract surgery, you should avoid any chemical contact with your eyes. Take sensible precautions.

   
Why does it feel like there is something in my eye after my surgery?

 You’ve had a microscopic incision on the surface of your eye. When you blink, you may feel a slightly scratchy sensation until the incision heals. Scratchiness is also a symptom of dry eyes. After surgery, our patients find that using artificial tears helps to alleviate the symptoms.

The eye drops, given to me to use after surgery, sting my eye.  Is this normal?

 It is common for some eyedrops to burn or sting upon installation.  You should continue to use your eyedrops as prescribed.  However, if your discomfort seems to be worsening, or you experience a decrease in vision, call your doctor at St. Luke's.  Burning may also be a symptom of dry eyes.  Make sure you're using your "artificial tears" drops frequently.  Some patients find using artificial tears 5 minutes before their medicated drops decreases their irritation.

After surgery, I noticed a spot of blood on the white of my eye, should I be concerned?

 The white part of the eye (sclera) is covered by a clear layer of tissue (conjunctiva). When a tiny blood vessel breaks, the blood becomes trapped underneath the conjunctiva. Since the tissue is clear, it’s easy to see the blood. If this were to happen on your arm, you would have a blue or purple bruise because the skin is not transparent. This will not affect your vision and will gradually resolve on its own.

On the way home from surgery I saw huge halos around all the lights. What causes this?

 This dramatic glare was due to the fact that your pupil was still dilated from the surgery. After the dilation wears off, your vision will return to normal.

My glare problem has improved dramatically since the surgery, but I still occasionally notice halos or streaks on lights at night. What causes this?

 Glare may be caused by many factors. A slight need for glasses (refractive error) is one of the most common reasons you may notice slight glare at night. Also, some patients experience minor corneal swelling after surgery that may cause temporary glare.

Since my surgery a few weeks ago, everything has a pink tint. What causes this?

 This pink tint is due to slight swelling in the retina and is not uncommon after surgery. It will gradually resolve as you take your postoperative eye drops. However, always contact your doctor at St. Luke's if you notice a change in your vision.  It is also important to protect your eyes with sunglasses when outdoors since sun exposure can aggravate this problem.

Why does everything have a blue tint since surgery?

 Patients with cataracts see their world through a yellow tint.  It's just like wearing yellow-tinted ("blue-blocker") sunglasses. These glasses block colors from the lower end of the color spectrum like blues and violets. When the cataract is removed and replaced with a clear implant, you will see these unfamiliar colors again. This may be much more dramatic for some patients than others, depending on the cataract.

I can't read without glasses.  Should I be able to?

 Your implant is a single-focus lens. If your lens was chosen for distance vision, you will need reading glasses for close range work. Some patients elect to have one eye focused for close vision so they can read without glasses. However, this may compromise distance vision. Patients who require precise distance vision do best with both eyes focused for distance and reading glasses for near.