Cataracts: What You Need to Know Before and After

Strange as it may seem, we haven’t touched this one in a long time, and it’s one of the most important.  Few people escape getting cataracts if you’re lucky enough to live that long (although I got mine at 46), and while you’re already familiar with the word, not everyone is aware of all the details. So what happens to a patient at Benjamin Eye Institute who is tired of impaired vision, that moreover gets worse every day?

To begin with, modern cataract surgery gives you the opportunity to dramatically improve eyesight.  It’s indeed modern, so not the kind you’d find in any old office. And it isn’t altogether rare that a person who could see well in their youth will see even better after the operation.  That’s why their “new vision” not only sometimes surprises patients, but completely astonishes them.  There isn’t a greater joy for the doctor himself, as well.  But after you have decided on this solution, you will need answers for a few specific questions.  For example:

WHAT IS YOUR GOAL?

There are three options:

1. I don’t want to wear glasses anymore.

 There’s a chance you’ll regain the vision of your youth if you choose Premium Channel IOL at BEI.  This is the best option if you want to forget about glasses forever.  You’re able to drive, read, swim, watch television, and keep up with all your hobbies – yes, without glasses.  Glasses and contact lenses interfere a little with living life to its fullest, do they not?

2. Reading glasses aren’t so bad…

You’re likely able to get good, clear farsightedness if you choose astigmatism and cataract correction, but you have to keep in mind that you’ll still need your favorite reading glasses.

3. Personally, glasses are fine by me.

Then it will be a routine cataract operation, which will allow you to see clearly with your new glasses.  Your vision will improve, in general, and drastically; however, you’ll still need glasses for reading and distant objects.

STEPS ON THE PATH TO BETTER VISION

By and large, there are four.  If you finally decide that you can’t live like this anymore, and it’s time to see better, then you need to:

1. Determine what your goal is by choosing the procedure and artificial lenses, with the help of the Benjamin Eye Institute team.
2. Pass preoperative testing and all measurements.
3. Take a short trip to the surgical center and have your operation.
4. Check in with our office after the operation.

It’s not bad at all if you prepare all your questions beforehand, and remember the saying that “the only stupid question is the question that is never asked”.  We will answer all of them.

During the consultation:

 In addition to a full screening, Dr. Benjamin will describe to you all the risks and benefits of the operation, as well as the options you have.  After the date is set, doctors will one more time check all the details and conduct a final examination.

 Usually, you’ll need an additional visit for a biometric examination.  

It includes:

• keratometry
• selection of an artificial lens
• checking the visual field
• corneal topography
• other corneal measurements

These tests help choose the correct artificial lenses and calculate all aspects of the surgery and medication. The accuracy of your vision (or, if you will, your gift for enjoying the beauty of the world) depends on correct selection and placement of the lens.

What does the consultation consist of? Discussing your expectations and the specific state of your eyes, which – and this must be kept in mind – may not always imply an ideal result.  Restrictions are usually associated with age and macular degeneration. An open talk about any irreparable defects (if there are any) will affect the goals of the operation. For example, a plan for farsightedness or an option for easy shortsightedness. In any case, all realistic possibilities will be discussed with you.

It’s also quite possible that a patient with advanced astigmatism will not completely get rid of the need for glasses. Even modern medicine has its limitations. All details will be discussed with you, including options like toric artificial lenses. And then, of course, conventional and multifocal lenses.

Steps before the operation

If you decide to have the operation at BEI (this is truly a wise decision; many patients say it was the best decision of their life), then you will be reminded of these steps:

 Preoperative visit at BEI – It is usually administered 2-3 weeks before. They will conduct all the necessary tests, take measurements, and give instructions.

1. Visit your family practitioner – They will be sent a letter from BEI asking for data from your blood tests, EKG, etc. Don’t forget you need to meet with your doctor 2 weeks before the operation.
2. Three days before the operation, you have to begin immediate preparation – Namely using warm compresses and eyedrops. And we’ll call to remind you, of course, about your operation.

 THE BIG DAY

 Don’t worry that you’ll forget something important; we’ll go over everything with you again so you can feel perfectly calm.

 You can read about how surgery day goes on the BEI website.

 LIFE AFTER SURGERY:  WHAT DO THEY SAY?

Hirsch A.

"I wasn’t sure that I’d have the operation, although I understood I had to. After checking my vision to renew my driver’s license, I decided that it’s time, and I had no idea how it would turn out. They gave me Crystalens, and now I can read and work on the computer, no problem.  I threw out two pairs of glasses and a pack of contact lenses.  I see everything clearly!  The operation went easily, and the doctor and team were wonderful.  All this was truly worth the money and time.”

 Forest C. 

"I want to thank Benjamin Eye Institute for restoring my vision to a fantastic 20/20.  I’m 72 years old!  For people with an active lifestyle, which I do (playing tennis, working out), seeing 20/20 is extremely important.  What they created at BEI under the guidance of Dr. Benjamin is a work of art.  My nighttime vision is incredibly sharp and clear.”

V. Koyfman