Back to top
CLOSE
OUR
DOCTORS OUR
LOCATIONS

Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery has changed dramatically over the last 20 years. Many patients remember the days when the operation required a hospital stay of several days with the patient’s head in sandbags and weeks of recovery. Retinal detachment was a frequent complication and thick aphakic glasses were necessary for clear vision. Today's cataract surgery is totally different. The operation is now done on an outpatient basis, usually only a two to three-hour stay.

  • The actual surgery is ten to 20 minutes in length and typically painless. A mild sedative takes care of any anxiety during the surgery.
  • A very small incision is made through a bloodless area of the eye and the cataract is removed with ultrasound.
  • A foldable implant is rolled up like a carpet and insert through the same small incision. It is fitted into the eye behind the pupil where the cataract was located before removal. Suturing is generally not necessary. The wound seals on its own and is quite secure.
  • A seal protects the eye the first day and then the patient wears a shield at night for a week. Regular activity is possible right away. Eyedrops are used on a tapering schedule for one month after surgery to reduce the risk of infection and help to heal.

Cataract Surgery

New glasses, if necessary, are prescribed two to three weeks after surgery. If the second eye has a cataract it can be done within three to four weeks. Whether or not glasses are needed depends on the implant lens chosen.

Complications are rare and the success rate is in excess of 95%. The cataract will not grow back after surgery. However, the membrane, which supports the intraocular lens implant, can become cloudy in some patients months or years later. If this occurs, simple laser treatment is all that is necessary to restore clear vision.

REVIEW US ONLINE

1 2 3 4 5
Cataracts
Cataracts
Cornea
Cornea
Cosmetic
Cosmetic
Dry Eye Management
Dry Eye Management
Glaucoma
Glaucoma
LASIK
LASIK
Macular Degeneration
Macular Degeneration
Retina
Retina

OUR OPTICAL SHOPS

At EyeHealth Northwest, our Opticians are committed to helping you get the best pair of glasses you have ever had. Opticians are Nationally Certified by the American Board of Opticianry and participate in ongoing continue education courses to deliver the best possible care with the most advanced technology and fashion. We can take stress out of the process, making it enjoyable for you and your family.

With more than 60 years of experience in Portland, we are now driving the Portland look by designing and curating original frame collections based on our optical expertise - Bridge City Spex. We understand the importance of individuality, functionality, and quality. The Bridge City Spex Collections can be found exclusively at our eleven EyeHealth Northwest optical shops.

LEARN MORE