Upon arrival for surgery, you will be given eye drops, and perhaps medications to help you relax. A local or topical anesthetic will make the operation painless. Though you may see light and movement, you will not be able to see the surgery while it is happening, and will not have to worry about keeping your eye open or closed. The skin around your eye will be thoroughly cleansed, and sterile coverings will be placed around your head. At this time, there are no lasers, drops, or medications to treat, reduce, or eliminate a cataract.
Surgery is the only effective way to remove the cloudy lens.
Dr. Lockhart uses the most modern technique, which is no-stitch cataract surgery. This procedure involves removing the cataract through a small, tunnel-like corneal incision with a tine ultrasonic probe. This technique is called phacoemulsification. You will be given a local anesthetic or topical anesthetic which will numb the eye and therefore, you will be comfortable. Many patients report improved vision within the first few hours after surgery.