Cataract Surgery

To learn more about cataract surgery and the lens packages we offer, please schedule a consultation with our team.

ENHANCED VISION THAT SUITS YOUR LIFESTYLE WITH CATARACT SURGERY

At Fraser Valley Cataract & Laser, we see patients with cataracts every day. We know what can cause cataracts, the effects of cataracts, and how to safely remove them. For our patients, it can be scary, bothersome, and inconvenient to lose their vision from cataracts. Cataracts have a significant impact on lifestyle, independence, and mobility.

Our eye doctors are committed to offering effective treatment options and delivering great patient care. We believe in educating patients so they can make informed decisions about their treatment. Our patients are treated with respect, compassion, and patience throughout the entire experience.

If you are progressively losing your vision due to cataracts, and it is becoming increasingly harder to perform everyday tasks — such as driving or reading the label on a bottle of medicine — we invite you to schedule a free consultation with our cataract specialists. We can explain why your vision is worsening and what we can do about it.

LIFE AFTER CATARACT SURGERY

Cataract surgery is designed to give you clearer and more colourful vision (sort of like the vision you enjoyed in your youth). Driving and reading become easier. High-definition vision makes the details of your surroundings stand out. Your dependence on corrective glasses may change depending on your lens choice — you may only need glasses for reading, or possibly not at all.

For many people, improved vision correlates with better self-confidence, improved mental health, more independence, and a reduction in falls. Hobbies, activities, and social outings become more enjoyable. Overall quality of life increases.

There is no age limit for cataract surgery. Anyone with cataracts can enjoy the benefits of cataract surgery regardless of their age.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE CATARACTS?

Cataracts are diagnosed after an eye exam with one of our doctors or an optometrist. You may have cataracts if you:

Are over the age of 60
Notice your vision is progressively worsening
Have cloudy or blurry vision
Need frequent prescription changes in your eyeglasses or contact lenses
See glare around headlights, lamps, or sunlight
Have poor night vision
Have double vision or multiple images
Notice that colours seem faded or “washed out”

HOW CATARACT SURGERY WORKS

If your cataracts progress to the point where they interfere with your vision and make it difficult to perform everyday tasks, surgical treatment is the best choice. If left untreated, poor vision may lead to motor vehicle accidents, falls, and other accidents to the patient or others.

Cataract surgery involves removing the clouded, cataract-diseased lens and replacing it with an artificial lens implant (an intraocular lens or IOL). The most common surgery performed in the world, cataract surgery is extremely safe and effective. Complications are rare.

There are different lenses to suit different lifestyles. Some lenses are designed to work best for near vision; others for distance vision. Special lenses have the ability to adjust for both near and distance vision. Other lenses are intended to correct astigmatism. For example, if you spend a lot of time reading or sewing, you may opt for a different lens than someone who spends a lot of time driving or playing sports. Our eye doctors and cataract consultants will help you select the best lens package for your lifestyle.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Prior to cataract surgery, several tests will be performed to determine the most suitable type of intraocular lens package for your lifestyle. We specialize in many types of new, high-technology lenses that allow for clear vision for distance, near, or both, even without glasses or contact lenses.

Once your surgery date has been scheduled, you will receive comprehensive instructions and a prescription for medicated eye drops. We recommend starting the eye drops two days before your cataract surgery.

On the day of surgery, you will need to arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery. Please plan on being here for several hours. You will be awake during surgery but you will not be able to see the surgery being performed. If you are nervous, we have medication you can take prior to the surgery to relax you. The procedure takes 8 – 15 minutes and goes by very quickly. It is not painful but there is a sensation of pressure and water. After surgery, we will place a clear, plastic protective patch over your eye. Both eyes are generally done on separate days.

Cataract Surgery

RECOVERING FROM SURGERY & ADJUSTING TO YOUR LENSES

As your eye recovers from surgery, it is normal to have light sensitivity, slight blurriness, tearing, and a gritty or irritated feeling in the eye. These side effects take 1 – 2 weeks to subside. There is usually a short period of adjustment to the artificial lenses. Your vision may continue to adjust over several weeks to months.

Wear your protective eye shield at night for a week after surgery. During the day, you can wear sunglasses or your normal glasses to protect the treated eye. Use the eye drops, as per the schedule we provide, until we advise otherwise. Avoid dirty environments, getting your eyes wet, or heavy lifting for the first 2 weeks.

We will provide follow-up appointments in the following weeks to make sure your eyes are healing properly.

One in 10 patients develop scar tissue behind their intraocular lens, which causes blurry vision. This is easily treated with a procedure called a YAG capsulotomy, in which a laser is used to break up scar tissue that forms after surgery. The YAG capsulotomy is painless and takes only a few minutes. This can be done in our office.

Schedule a Consultation with Our Team

To learn more about cataract surgery, the lens packages we offer, or YAG capsulotomy, please schedule a consultation with our team. Contact Fraser Valley Cataract & Laser today.