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Questions about cataract surgery and LASIK
Does cataract surgery hurt?
No. Discomfort is minimal. Dr. Kraft gives you numbing drops
and medications to help you relax.
Are there risks?
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks. Dr. Kraft
will carefully explain the potential risks and benefits
prior to any procedure.
Will I be asleep during cataract surgery?
No. Since this procedure does not take long, general
anesthesia is unnecessary.Instead, Dr. Kraft will use a
local/topical anesthetic to numb your eye and you will
remain awake during the procedure. In certain cases,
"twilight sleep" is induced by an anesthesiologist to make
you more relaxed.
Who performs the procedure?
Dr. Kraft will perform the procedure. There will be a
technician and nurse in the room to assist them.
I have cataracts in both eyes. Will both be treated at the same time?
Dr. Kraft performs cataract surgery one eye at a time.
Surgery is typically performed on the second eye two or
three weeks following the first.
How long will I be at the surgical center?
You will spend only a few hours at the surgery center, and
will go home the very same day.
How long before I can see after surgery?
Every patient and every eye is different, but typically you
will see well enough to drive the next day after surgery.
How long until I can return to normal activities?
Typically, you'll be able to resume normal basic activities
like reading and watching TV by the next day, and return to
work within two days. You should avoid any strenuous
activity such as swimming for two weeks. Dr. Kraft will
advise you on what is best for you.
After surgery, will I be able to drive at night?
Your ability to drive at night should be much enhanced once
your cataract is removed. Patients receiving advanced
technology multifocal lenses may notice a ring of light
around headlights and other point-light sources. These
conditions are mild and diminish with time.
Will I need glasses after cataract surgery?
In the clinical trials, 8 out of 10 patients receiving
multifocal lenses reported NEVER having to wear glasses for
distance, intermediate or near tasks after surgery. (Note
that while patients receiving monofocal lenses no longer
need glasses for distance viewing, most still will need
glasses for intermediate or near vision.)
Can my cataract come back?
No. Once a cataract has been removed it cannot return.
However, over time, some patients may complain that their
vision has once again become cloudy. This condition, which
may occur with any type of IOL, is known as a capsular
opacifucation or "PCO." Secondary cataracts can be easily
treated by a simple laser procedure.
Can my IOLbe replaced if it doesn't work?
Although this would be unlikely, an IOLcan be replaced with
a different one if needed.
Do I need to take any special precautions after cataract
surgery?
Every patient is different, so be sure to ask Dr. Kraft on
proper care of your eye after the procedure. He will ask you
to refrain from rubbing your eye or engagingin any strenuous
activity for a few weeks after surgery.
Can I eliminate my need for glasses completely?
The answer is YES and NO. Greater than 99% of my patients do
not need glasses to pass a drivers license test. At some
point after the age of 40, however, all of us will need
glasses to read [the exception is the 8 out of 10 patients
receiving the latest multifocal intraocular implants].
Will I have to be without my contact lenses?
Depending on the type of soft contact lens that you wear,
you will have to stop wearing them for a period as short as
one or two weeks. Rigid gas permeable contact lens wearers
need to stop wearing them for a minimum of two weeks. In all
cases, I will not proceed until I am sure that your corneal
and visual measurements are stable. The information that is
entered into the laser computer is dependent on the absolute
accuracy of these reading.
What are the long-term results of laser vision
correction?
Excimer laser surgery has been performed since the 1980s.
Long-term results show that this surgery is stable and that
the health of the eye is not jeopardized.
Does LASIK hurt?
LASIK is virtually painless. During the procedure I
administer topical anesthetic eyedrops to numb the eye.
After the procedure and when the effect of the drops wears
off, you will experience a slight dry feeling. You are given
a pair of dark sunglasses to wear and I recommend that you
relax and keep your eyes closed for three hours after the
procedure to minimize further discomfort.
What if I blink or move during the procedure?
Your eye is kept open by an eyelid retractor. Three video
cameras monitor your eye movement throughout the treatment.
Should you accidentally move, the laser will automatically
shut off. When it is safe to resume, the laser reactivates
and the treatment continues.
What will I experience during the actual procedure?
The laser beam is an invisible ultraviolet light that is
applied to your eye for anywhere from between five to 60
seconds. All you are required to do is look at a flashing
light. There is no pain or discomfort.
What are my responsibilities after surgery?
Immediately following the procedure, you should keep your
eyes closed (take a nap) for three hours. Use medicated
eyedrops as prescribed. You should protect your eyes from
rubbing, poking and scratching. You should also avoid
contact sports and swimming for two to three weeks.
Post-operative visits are scheduled within the first 24 to
48 hours following your surgery—and again at day six or
seven.
Are there any common problems that are encountered after
the procedure?
Some patients report minor fluctuations in their vision
usually associated with mild dryness. I have all my patients
use artificial tears (eyedrops) for three to four weeks.
Will my eyes look different?
Your eyes will look exactly the same. With LASIK there are
extremely faint scars on the cornea that can only be seen
with magnification.
Will I need a "touch up" enhancement?
Approximately 5% of my patients return for a touch up. I do
this when I believe I can safely and substantially improve
the final visual result. This is performed at no charge
during the first year. The national average for touch-ups is
approximately 15-20%.
There's eye care and there's advanced eye care. See the difference advanced eye care can make. Have your questions answered in person by Dr. Kraft.
Schedule a consultation.
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