Question 1

How long does cataract surgery take?

Accepted Answer

Surgery typically takes about 20 minutes per eye. After surgery, you will relax in a recovery room and need to arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure. Depending on which surgical option you choose, you may be able to have both eyes treated on the same day to ensure quicker recovery time.

Question 2

What is recovery like after cataract surgery?

Accepted Answer

Most patients experience quick recovery and progressive vision improvement in the days following surgery. Although you will be able to see after surgery, your vision will be blurry during the initial recovery period. It is recommended that patients rest after surgery.  
After surgery, you will be given a clear protective shield over the eye and/or sunglasses. You will not be able to drive yourself home and must have a friend or family member with you.  
Prior to leaving the office, your ophthalmologist will review the proper use of the prescribed eye drops and confirm the time of your follow-up exam. Expect to use the eye drops for several weeks to aid recovery, reduce the chance of infection, and keep your eyes lubricated.

Question 3

When can I resume normal activities after cataract surgery?

Accepted Answer

Generally, patients should take the day after their procedure to recover. Typically, a patient’s vision correction allows them to drive the very next day for their follow-up appointment. However, it is recommended patients only drive if they feel comfortable. 
Depending on your comfort level and job requirements, a longer recovery period may be recommended. You can resume many of your normal activities within a day or two after cataract surgery, but it is advised you follow post-operative instructions to ensure the best results.

Question 4

What should I avoid doing immediately after cataract surgery?

Accepted Answer

It is important to avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise immediately after cataract surgery and to not rub your eyes. It is safe to shower or bathe if you avoid getting water directly into your eyes.

Question 5

Will my cataracts return?

Accepted Answer

No, once your cataract is removed and replaced with a new intraocular lens (IOL), you can never develop another. Provided good visual adaptation, you will not need to replace the IOL because it is designed to last the rest of your life.  
Some patients may develop a film on their lens known as a posterior capsular opacification or a secondary cataract. This is not a true cataract but rather a film that develops on the implanted lens.  
The good news is the treatment for this, a YAG capsulotomy laser, is quick, painless and effective with immediate results. The laser treatment is done within the surgery center and there is no need for general anesthesia, although a topical anesthesia such as numbing drops may be used to make the patient as comfortable as possible. The YAG capsulotomy is performed while sitting across from the surgeon, much like a regular clinic visit. The cloudy film that has developed on the posterior capsule is gently removed with the laser. This allows light to reach the retina more effectively and improves the clarity of one’s vision.

Question 6

Who is not a candidate for cataract surgery?

Accepted Answer

There are a few scenarios where cataract surgery is not recommended. Typically, these reasons are related to the patient’s health. Patients with uncontrolled diabetes, diabetic retinopathy, ocular inflammation, or certain retinal conditions may be asked to delay surgery until these conditions are under control.

Question 7

Am I a candidate for RLE (Refractive Lens Exchange) surgery?

Accepted Answer

You may be a candidate for RLE surgery if you:

•	Are in your mid-to-late 40’s and want LASIK or SMILE but also need reading glasses or bifocals 
•	Are farsighted  
•	Have been told that you are nearsighted but don’t qualify for LASIK or a laser-based vision correction procedure 
•	Previously had laser eye surgery but have had subsequent changes in your vision 
•	Lead a very active lifestyle where decreased reliance on glasses is a priority

Question 8

How is RLE surgery different from cataract surgery?

Accepted Answer

They are essentially the same surgical procedure in that the natural lens of the eye is removed and replaced by an artificial lens, however RLE features today’s latest intraocular lens (IOL) technologies such as extended depth of focus IOL, multifocal IOL, and trifocal IOL. By replacing the patient’s natural lens with one of these advanced IOL options, patients may achieve visual independence from glasses or contacts after the procedure and an improved quality of life.

Question 9

Does RLE surgery hurt?

Accepted Answer

RLE surgery is done using the latest laser-assisted cataract technology in combination with topical anesthesia (i.e., numbing drops), which makes it a typically painless experience. Patients may also be provided with mild oral sedative to ensure extra comfort during surgery. After surgery, you may have a mild foreign body sensation, which is often described as having an eyelash in your eye.

Question 10

How long does RLE surgery take?

Accepted Answer

This surgery typically takes 20 minutes per eye, depending on your vision correction needs. After surgery, you will relax in a recovery room and need to arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure. Both eyes can be treated on the same day.

Question 11

What is recovery like after RLE surgery?

Accepted Answer

Although you will be able to see immediately after RLE, your vision will be blurry during the initial recovery period. We recommend resting after surgery. Your vision will continue to progress each day, and keeping your eyelids completely closed during sleep helps prevent dry eye, limit contamination, and supports the healing process. You will not be able to drive yourself home and must have a friend or family member with you. 
Prior to going home, your ophthalmologist will review the proper use of the prescribed eye drops and confirm the time of your follow-up exam. Expect to use the eye drops for several weeks to months. They aid recovery, reduce the chance of infection, and help lubricate the eyes.

Question 12

When can I resume normal activities after RLE surgery?

Accepted Answer

Generally, it is recommended that patients take the day following their procedure to recover. Typically, a patient’s vision correction allows them to drive the very next day for their follow-up appointment. However, it is recommended patients only drive if they feel comfortable. 
Depending on your comfort level and job requirements, a longer recovery period may be recommended. You can resume many of your normal activities within a day or two after surgery, but it is advised you follow post-operative instructions to ensure the best results.

Question 13

What should I avoid doing immediately after RLE surgery?

Accepted Answer

It is important to avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise immediately after surgery and to not rub your eyes. It is safe to shower or bathe if you avoid getting water directly into your eyes.

Question 14

Do RLE results wear off?

Accepted Answer

RLE is considered a long-term vision correction solution. Provided good visual adaptation, typically the intraocular lens will not need to be replaced. For those without appropriate adaptation, your doctor will discuss alternative treatment.

Question 15

Will RLE affect my future eye health?

Accepted Answer

RLE surgery will correct your vision and prevent cataracts from developing. It will not affect other health conditions and will allow you to see clearly for a lifetime.

Question 16

Why might RLE be a better option for me?

Accepted Answer

RLE can effectively correct high amounts of nearsightedness and farsightedness along with presbyopia (need for readers or bifocals) that may not be adequately corrected by other procedures like LASIK, SMILE, or ICL. Depending on your age and visual needs, RLE can give you the visual freedom you desire.

Question 17

Who should not have RLE?

Accepted Answer

There are a few scenarios where RLE is not recommended. Typically, these reasons are related to the patient’s health. Patients with uncontrolled diabetes, diabetic retinopathy, ocular inflammation, or certain corneal or retinal conditions may be asked to delay surgery until these conditions are under control. 
If you are pregnant, currently nursing, or have an unstable prescription, you should not have RLE. It is recommended to wait to have RLE until you have completed nursing for at least three to six months. Vision can fluctuate during this time, and waiting allows your eyes time to adjust and return to normal. Hormonal therapies may also prevent you from being a RLE candidate, however our team of experienced doctors can review other vision correction options with you.

Question 18

Is EVO ICL right for me?

Accepted Answer

Ideal candidates for EVO ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) are aged 21 to 45 with nearsightedness with or without astigmatism and have maintained a stable prescription for at least one year. Currently, EVO ICL is approved only for these conditions and is not yet available for farsightedness.

Question 19

Does EVO ICL surgery hurt?

Accepted Answer

EVO ICL surgery is done under topical anesthesia (i.e., numbing drops), which makes it a typically painless experience. Patients may also be provided with mild oral sedative to ensure extra comfort during surgery. After surgery, you may have a mild foreign body sensation, which is often described as having an eyelash in your eye.

Question 20

How long does EVO ICL surgery take?

Accepted Answer

This surgery typically takes 20 minutes per eye, depending on your vision correction needs. After surgery, you will relax in a recovery room and need to arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure.

Question 21

What is recovery like after EVO ICL surgery?

Accepted Answer

Although you will be able to see immediately after EVO ICL surgery, your vision will be blurry during the initial recovery period and continue to progress each day. We recommend that you rest after surgery.  You will not be able to drive yourself home and must have a friend or family member with you. 
Prior to going home, your ophthalmologist will review the proper use of the prescribed eye drops and confirm the time of your follow-up exam. Expect to use eye drops for several weeks. They aid recovery, reduce the chance of infection, and help lubricate the eyes.

Question 22

When can I resume normal activities after EVO ICL surgery?

Accepted Answer

Generally, it is recommended that patients take the day following their procedure to recover. Typically, a patient’s vision correction allows them to drive the very next day for their follow-up appointment. However, we recommend patients only drive if they feel comfortable.

Question 23

What should I avoid doing immediately after EVO ICL surgery?

Accepted Answer

It is important to avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise immediately after surgery and to not rub your eyes. It is safe to shower or bathe if you avoid getting water directly into your eyes.

Question 24

How long does EVO ICL last?

Accepted Answer

ICLs last a lifetime and are removable. The ICL is typically removed once it is time for you to have cataract surgery when you are older.

Question 25

Do EVO ICL results wear off?

Accepted Answer

No, however, vision change is a natural part of the aging process whether you have had EVO ICL or not. After age 40, seeing things up close becomes more difficult (presbyopia) for everyone. Our doctors factor in your age when determining which vision correction options – besides EVO ICL – are best for you.

Question 26

Is SMILE laser vision correction procedure right for me?

Accepted Answer

Small Incision Lenticule Extraction, or SMILE, is the next generation of laser vision correction for patients with nearsightedness (myopia) and/or astigmatism. And it is the preferred procedure of those with dry eyes or busy lifestyles like healthcare professionals, first responders, and athletes who need to return to their work and activities within 24-48 hours.

Question 27

Does SMILE laser vision correction procedure hurt?

Accepted Answer

The SMILE procedure is done using a ultra high-speed femtosecond laser in combination with a topical anesthesia (i.e. numbing drops), which makes it a typically painless experience with quick recovery. The incision is so small that it usually does not require stitches to close.

Question 28

How long does SMILE laser vision correction procedure take?

Accepted Answer

The SMILE procedure typically takes about 10 minutes per eye. After SMILE, you will relax in a recovery room and need to arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure. Both eyes can be treated on the same day.

Question 29

What is recovery like after SMILE laser vision correction procedure?

Accepted Answer

Although you will be able to see immediately after the SMILE procedure, your vision will be blurry during the initial recovery period and continue to progress each day. You may also feel some discomfort during this initial recovery phase, which usually significantly diminishes within the first 24-48 hours after SMILE and should continue to diminish each day.

Prior to going home, your ophthalmologist will review the proper use of the prescribed eye drops and confirm the time of your follow-up exam. Expect to use the eye drops for several weeks to months. They aid recovery, reduce the chance of infection, and help lubricate the eyes to keep your eyes comfortable after SMILE.

You will not be able to drive yourself home and must have a friend or family member with you. We recommend resting right after SMILE laser vision treatment. Your vision will continue to progress each day.

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