How is Cataract treated?
Phacoemulsification
Once your vision with corrective glasses or contact lenses is no longer adequate for you to comfortably, safely do your normal activities, it is time to consider cataract surgery. The only effective treatment for cataract is cataract surgery. This is a common procedure. At Marin Ophthalmic Surgery Center, we do about 700 cataract surgeries a year. The surgery involves a relaxing sedative and "topical" anesthesia for complete comfort. Under microscopic control, the surgeon removes the cloudy lens and replaces it with a new, clear artificial lens.
The surgery itself generally takes less than 15 minutes in most cases. The patient goes home about 2 hours after arrival at Marin Ophthalmic Surgery Center. The vision may be blurry for the first few days, but is nearly always much better by 2 weeks postop. Typical post-operative care includes eye drops for 6 weeks after, and 2-3 post-operative follow-up appointments. Occasionally the post-operative care involves higher levels of medication and visits, but most people are ready for new glasses about 2 weeks post surgery. The Board Certified Eye Surgeons at Marin Ophthalmic Surgery Center use the most current proven methods in their cataract surgery.