Cataract FAQs

All surgery involves some risk, no matter how slight. However, complications arising from cataract surgery at Mosaddegh Eye Institute are very rare. Most of our patients recover clear vision that will remain cataract-free for the rest of their lives. Choosing a surgeon who has performed thousands of successful procedures will help reduce the risk of complications. Your surgeon should discuss the risks, benefits and possible alternatives with you

You can expect to feel virtually no pain during the surgery and usually only mild discomfort (scratchiness and irritation) afterward. We have anesthesia providers on our team to ease your comfort during the procedure. The procedure takes approximately 15 minutes including the placement of the IOL, and you can be given a sedative to help you relax if you’d like.

The eye can usually be anesthetized using eye drops so a patch is not required. After a short period in the outpatient recovery area, you will be ready to go home. Someone will need to drive you home after surgery. You will be provided with a protective shield for your eye and you will be given prescription eye drops to use for a few days prior to and following the procedure. While the eye is healing during the following week, it is recommended you wear your protective eye shield while sleeping or napping. Strenuous activity or lifting, swimming and exposing your eye to dust or grime should be avoided for at least two weeks after surgery.

The short answer is when your quality of vision has noticeably declined. Cataracts can begin to form as early as our 40s and their effects often go unnoticed because they are so gradual. Many patients first notice the symptoms when their night vision begins to suffer – halos around lights, glare or oversensitivity to light. One of our patients’ most frequent comments after surgery is that colors are so much brighter and vibrant and they are also surprised at how much zing had actually gone out of their vision due to cataracts. Regular eye exams are the best way to monitor the development of cataracts. Our doctors will counsel you as to the best way to proceed.