Cataracts develop when proteins accumulate on the lens of your eye, gradually causing your vision to become cloudy or blurry. You might not notice them at first, but over time, they can significantly impair your sight. An ophthalmologist can assess the severity of cataracts by examining your eyes, and surgery is eventually needed to remove them.
An ophthalmologist is a specialist in eye care and diseases. They evaluate the overall health of your eyes and take precise measurements to determine the best replacement lenses for you. Dr. Lobanoff, recognized as one of the top cataract surgeons in America, offers a wide range of cataract lenses to effectively address vision issues. The doctor will also ask questions to understand how cataracts affect your daily life.
Dr. Lobanoff ensures his patients feel comfortable with the cataract surgery process. If you’re in the Minneapolis, MN area and need cataract surgery, visiting his office can help address any questions or concerns you might have before and on the day of the surgery. They will explain the best replacement lens options and the type of surgery—traditional or laser—that will be performed. It’s important to ask if you’ll still need glasses afterward, as you might need them for reading or computer work. The office staff can also help you understand the surgery costs and what your insurance will cover.
Doctors usually provide detailed instructions to prepare for surgery. If you need to stop any medications, discuss this with the prescribing doctor, who might offer an alternative. If not, your ophthalmologist might adjust the surgical procedure. Other recommendations for the day of surgery include:
When you arrive at the surgery center, you’ll complete paperwork, verify your identity, and sign insurance forms. The staff will help you feel comfortable and relaxed. Some centers may ask you to change into a robe, but most allow you to stay in your clothes, so wear something comfortable and easy to remove. Your vital signs, like temperature, blood pressure, and respiration rate, will be monitored during and after the surgery.
The ophthalmologist will use numbing medications to prevent pain, dilate your pupil, and give you a mild sedative to help you relax. Although you’ll be awake during the surgery, the sedative affects everyone differently. The doctor will remove the clouded lens and insert the replacement lens. After a brief recovery period, you can go home with your driver.
Right after cataract surgery, you might feel mild irritation in your eye, like itchiness or grittiness. Your vision could be blurry for a few days but should gradually improve. The ophthalmologist will suggest ways to ease any discomfort. Many people notice that colors appear much brighter after the surgery. While side effects are usually mild, contact your doctor if you have any concerns.
Taking care of your eye after surgery is crucial. Your doctor will give you detailed instructions to follow. Typically, these include:
After the first eye is treated, most ophthalmologists recommend having the cataract in the other eye treated within a few weeks. The procedures are the same, but you’ll likely feel more at ease after the success of the first surgery.
