Cataract

Prior to cataract surgery, the eye is "measured" in the ophthalmologist’s office to determine the appropriate strength of the lens implant to be used. Cataract surgery is always done as an outpatient, usually in a surgical center instead of in a hospital. Dr. Cohn, a veteran of over 10,000 eye surgeries, uses the most up-to-date surgical techniques in removing cataracts. He uses the Alcon LensX laser system to perform computer-guided bladeless incisions. This gentle and precise technique is a true technological breakthrough, providing a safe and accurate method to remove a cataract with less energy than the older ultrasound technique. An alternative to laser, the common technique of phacoemulsification, which uses ultrasound energy to gently break up the cloudy lens, has been successfully used by Dr. Cohn for almost two decades. The lens implant is inserted into the eye through the tiny incision, and the implant stays there for the life of the patient. The entire procedure usually takes less than 10 minutes! The eye is completely numb during this procedure, and the patient is awake but very comfortable thanks to mild intravenous sedation. The surgical incision is so small that no stitches are usually needed! Often no patches are required, and patients leave for home less than an hour after surgery. Patients are usually comfortable, and resume normal activities very soon after surgery.

After the surgery

After cataract surgery vision may be slightly blurred for a few days. Few physical restrictions are placed on the patients. We advise patients to avoid heavy lifting, swimming, and head-jarring exercises (like aerobics) for a week. Patients may cook, go for walks, bicycle rides, and even play golf the next day. Those who work may return to work the day following surgery. Patients wear a protective shield at bedtime only for 5 days. Several different eyedrops are used after surgery. These help to prevent infection and decrease inflammation. Patients often have a significant reduction in their need for glasses after cataract surgery. Many will require only reading glasses. If cataracts are present in both eyes, the second cataract may be removed a couple of weeks after the first, depending on how the patient heals.

Risks of surgery

No surgical procedure is completely free of risk, however the risk of complications from cataract surgery is lower than when compared to most other types of surgery. The complication rate from cataract surgery is generally less than 1% and might include infection, bleeding problems, wound-healing problems, or a rare problem with the implanted lens. A surgical consent form with more information is signed by the patient prior to scheduling any procedure.