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Cataract Care
Our experienced eye doctors conduct thorough dilated exams to diagnose and assess the extent of the cataract. We then work with you to determine the best treatment plan tailored to your needs. If you do require cataract surgery, you will continue to see your Turlock Eyecare doctor for post-op care in the comfortable and familiar environment. We work closely with the surgical team through pre and post operative care to make sure the procedure and peri-operative care is as hassle free as possible, so you can focus on a quick recovery.
Do I have to have surgery?
Mild to moderate cataracts that are not causing any visual or health issues can be monitored with your optometrist. Sometimes you will need to update your glasses prescription more frequently because it will change as the cataract develops. Wearing sunglasses can help slow the progression of cataracts and keep your eyes more comfortable from the additional glare. Cataracts generally worsen slowly over time so if you have a cataract, you will likely want surgery at some point.
Your optometrist can discuss the severity of your cataract with you and their recommendations. If your cataracts are affecting your lifestyle, such as causing difficulty driving, you may choose to have your cataracts removed as soon as you are eligible. In some cases, other eye or health conditions conditions may be better managed when your cataracts are removed, so your doctor may recommend surgery sooner.
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Cataract surgery is an elective procedure, which means the final decision is up to you.
Where is the surgery done?
Depending on which surgeon your optometrist recommends for your case, the surgery will typically occur in a sterile surgical suite Turlock. Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure, which means you go home the same day.
Am I awake for the procedure?
Kind of.
The anesthesiologist will give you I.V. medications to relax you. You will feel relaxed and sleepy but you can typically still hear the doctor and may see colorful lights. The eye is also numb so you won't feel any pain during the procedure. Some people fall asleep with the medication and the amount can be adjusted if you are anxious.
What can I expect after surgery?
One Day
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The day after surgery you will have an appointment with your Turlock Eyecare optometrist. They will remove the eye patch that was placed on your eye. They will examine your eye to check the status of your healing and review your eye medication instructions. It is recommended that you sleep with an eye shield on, to prevent accidental rubbing or pressing on the eye for 1 week.
One Week
One week after surgery you will visit our office again. Your eye doctor will examine your eye to check for any complications and check if your healing is on track. They will review the instructions for your eye medications, as changes may be indicated.
One Month
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You guessed it, you will be back to see your optometrist at our office one month after surgery. This is typically the last post-operative follow up if everything is healing well.
Will I still need glasses?
There are a lot of different choices when it comes to refractive correction during cataract surgery. When the cataract is removed from your eye, it is replaced with an intra-ocular lens (IOL). This IOL can be ordered in a specific power for your eye. The IOL can replace some, if not all of your eyeglasses prescription. There are special IOL's for astigmatism and presbyopia as well as newer adjustable IOL's that can be customized after surgery if needed.
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Before scheduling cataract surgery, your optometrist will discuss which options they think will work for your vision and expectations in order to select the correct IOL for you.