Cataract surgery is one of the most common surgeries today, and is designed to improve vision by removing the natural lens of the eye that has become cloudy. Many people turn to consider surgery after symptoms such as blurred vision, glare from strong light or difficulty reading appear. Before making a decision to perform cataract surgery, there are many questions that can arise and affect confidence in the decision and the process of obtaining the necessary information. Knowing the frequently asked questions can help in understanding the surgery and in preparing mentally for the process. Further down this page we have gathered short answers to the questions patients ask most often.
What are the important questions to ask before cataract surgery?
Before deciding to perform cataract surgery, it is important to ask the surgeon several questions that will help you understand the process, the risks and the expected results of the surgery. Questions such as “What are the risks involved in the surgery?”, “What type of anesthesia is used during the surgery?” and “What recovery period is required after the surgery?” are some of the questions worth asking. In addition, it is recommended to ask how to choose between the different lenses that can be implanted during the surgery, especially if there is an option of advanced lenses designed to correct near and far vision.
Questions about the surgery process itself – what is important to know?
Understanding the cataract surgery process can greatly help alleviate concerns and prepare the patient for the surgery. In this process, the main questions that should be asked include the expected duration of the operation, whether advance preparations are necessary such as stopping certain medications, and how the preparation phase for the operating room will be conducted. The doctor should be asked about the exact steps that will be taken during the surgery itself – how the cloudy lens will be removed, how the new lens will be implanted, and what the process is to ensure correct placement of the lens. Questions about the surgical process can also include consultation about the chances of complications and the actions to be taken in case of unexpected phenomena.
Frequently asked questions
Is cataract surgery painful?
The surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia, using numbing eye drops or gel, which means the patient stays awake during the procedure but does not feel pain. Some pressure or discomfort may be felt during the surgery, but sharp pain should not be part of the experience. Mild pain or discomfort in the eye after the surgery is common and normal, mainly in the first few days.
How long does cataract surgery take, and do you go home the same day?
The surgery itself usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, but the total time at the clinic may be longer because of the preparations before the surgery and the monitoring after it. In most cases, the patient can go home the same day. It is recommended to arrange for someone to accompany you and to plan the ride home in advance, since vision may be blurred on the day of the surgery.
How long is the recovery after cataract surgery?
In most cases, the initial improvement in vision occurs within a few days, and full recovery usually takes four to eight weeks. In the first few days vision may be slightly blurred, and in many cases it clears gradually. After the surgery, eye drops are used, usually for several weeks, to protect the eye from infection and inflammation, and medical follow-up should be kept according to the doctor's instructions.
What should you avoid after cataract surgery?
In the first weeks after the surgery, it is important to avoid pressing on the eye, rubbing it or touching the operated area. It is recommended to avoid lifting heavy objects, bending over and strenuous physical activity. Direct contact of water with the eye should be avoided for several days, and swimming should be avoided in the first weeks, to prevent infection. Makeup and creams around the eyes should also be avoided in the first weeks.
When can you drive after cataract surgery?
Driving immediately after the surgery is usually not recommended, since the field of vision and visual acuity may be affected in the first few days. Most patients need a period of a few days to a few weeks before they feel comfortable driving again. It is important to be examined by your treating doctor and to get their approval before returning to driving.
Will I need glasses after cataract surgery?
The answer depends on the type of lens chosen, the final result of the surgery and the structure of the eye. With a standard (monofocal) lens, which is set for one range of vision, glasses are often needed for reading or close work. Multifocal lenses are especially suitable for patients who want to avoid depending on reading glasses, and the type of lens is best chosen together with the surgeon according to lifestyle and personal needs.
What is secondary cataract, and is its treatment covered?
After cataract surgery, natural cells in the eye may, over time, build up on the posterior capsule and cause blurred vision; this can develop months to years after the surgery. It is treated with YAG capsulotomy, a short laser procedure performed in the clinic that does not require hospitalization. YAG capsulotomy is included in the health basket, so members of all the health funds are usually entitled to it through their fund, regardless of where the original cataract surgery was performed.
Does the health fund cover cataract surgery, and how much does private surgery cost?
Under the health basket, cataract surgery with a standard (monofocal) lens is performed in a public hospital with a referral and a Form 17 (commitment form) from the health fund; toric or multifocal lenses are not part of the basket entitlement and usually require an additional payment. The health funds' supplementary insurance plans apply only to surgery with a surgeon in the fund's arrangement, with a co-payment and under terms that vary between plans, and they do not reimburse privately funded surgery. Private cataract surgery with a standard lens usually costs 10,000–13,000 ₪ per eye; an advanced or toric lens adds about 2,500–5,000 ₪ per eye, and the use of a laser adds 2,000–7,000 ₪ per eye.
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