Posted by: Eye Health Northwest in Cataracts on March 21, 2025
Have you been diagnosed with cataracts? If you’re scheduled for cataract surgery to restore your vision, it’s natural to have questions about what to expect.
Understanding the procedure and recovery process can help you feel more confident and prepared. Keep reading to learn more about what to know before your cataract surgery.
What are Cataracts?
Cataracts are an eye condition that develops when the proteins within the natural lens of your eye break down and form clumps, causing the lens to become clouded. As cataracts develop, you may notice:
- Cloudy or foggy vision, like looking through a dirty windshield
- Blurry vision
- Increased difficulty seeing at night or in low light
- Sensitivity to bright lights
- Seeing halos or glare around light sources
- Colors appearing duller or yellowed
- You need frequent changes to your prescription
While cataracts typically develop slowly over time, they will continue to progress and can eventually lead to significant vision impairment if left untreated.
What is Cataract Surgery?
Cataract surgery is the only effective treatment for cataracts. It’s one of the most common surgical procedures in the United States, with almost 4 million surgeries performed each year.
During this minimally invasive procedure, your cataract surgeon at EyeHealth Northwest will begin by making a tiny incision in the cornea, the clear front surface of your eye. Then, they will use ultrasound energy in a process called phacoemulsification to break up and remove the clouded natural lens.
In place of the natural lens, they will insert a clear intraocular lens (IOL) to restore your vision. The procedure typically takes about 10-15 minutes per eye, and you can go home the same day.
If you have cataracts in both eyes, your surgeon will schedule the procedures several weeks apart to allow the first eye to heal properly.
What Do I Need to Do to Prepare for Cataract Surgery?
One of the most important decisions you’ll make before your cataract surgery is choosing which type of intraocular lens (IOL) will replace your natural lens. EyeHealth Northwest offers a wide variety of different lenses to suit your vision needs, preferences, and lifestyle, including monofocal IOLs, multifocal IOLs, toric IOLs, extended depth of focus (EDOF) IOLs, and Light Adjustable Lenses.
You can discuss these options with your eye doctor at your pre-operative consultation. They will also perform a comprehensive eye exam at this appointment, provide detailed pre-operative instructions, and review your medical history.
What to Expect During Cataract Surgery Recovery
Understanding the recovery timeline can help you prepare appropriately for your cataract surgery and ensure a smooth healing process.:
Right After Cataract Surgery
- Your eye will be covered with a protective shield
- You’ll need someone to drive you home
- Rest for the remainder of the day
- Begin using prescribed eye drops as directed
- Wear the protective eye shield at night to prevent accidental rubbing or pressure on your eye
First Week After Cataract Surgery
- Keep water out of your eyes when showering or washing your face
- Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV light and brightness
- Avoid touching, rubbing, or putting pressure on your eye
- Refrain from strenuous activities, heavy lifting, or bending over
- Don’t drive until your doctor gives you clearance
- Use all prescribed eye drops exactly as directed
The Weeks Following Cataract Surgery
- Most people notice significantly clearer vision within a few days to a week
- Complete visual recovery typically occurs within 3-10 weeks
- Your eye doctor will schedule follow-up visits to monitor your healing
- If you choose the Light Adjustable Lens, you’ll need to attend adjustment sessions with your eye doctor until your desired vision has been reached
Schedule Your Cataract Surgery Consultation
If you have questions about cataract surgery, the experienced team at EyeHealth Northwest is here to help. Our eye care professionals will guide you through every step of the process, from diagnosis through recovery.
Schedule your appointment at EyeHealth Northwest in Portland, OR, today!
