Cataract Surgery

What is cataract surgery?

Cataract surgery removes the clouded lens of the eye, known as a cataract, and replaces it with an intraocular lens (IOL). IOLs are clear lenses that allow light to pass through and focus on the back of your eye. An ophthalmologist performs the surgery and helps you choose the type of IOL that best suits your needs. In most cases, the IOL is implanted during the surgery.

Why is cataract surgery performed?

Cataract surgery is a treatment option for those experiencing blurry vision, increased glare, and difficulty with daily activities such as reading or driving. When cataracts significantly impact vision or interfere with the treatment of other eye conditions, surgery may be recommended. If left untreated, cataracts typically worsen over time and may lead to severe vision loss.

How do I know if I am a candidate for cataract surgery?

You may consider cataract surgery if cataracts in one or both eyes are causing vision problems that affect daily life.

You may be a candidate for cataract surgery if you have been diagnosed with cataracts and experience any of the following symptoms:

• Cloudy or blurry vision
• Glares and halos around lights
• Difficulty seeing at night
• Colors appear faded
• Frequent changes in glasses or contact lens prescriptions

What can I expect before cataract surgery?

Before the procedure, advanced imaging and measurements will be used to determine the most suitable lens for your vision. Options for IOLs include monofocal, toric, multifocal, and Light Adjustable Lens. IOLs can improve your vision and address issues like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, potentially reducing your dependence on glasses or contacts after surgery.

Your care team will provide preoperative instructions, including pausing certain medications and fasting the night before surgery. Antibiotic eye drops may be prescribed to use one or two days before surgery.

What can I expect during cataract surgery?

Cataract surgery is a quick, painless, and safe procedure.

Cataract surgery involves:

1. Making a small incision in the cornea
2. Removing the clouded lens (cataract)
3. Replacing it with the IOL

The procedure typically takes about 15 to 30 minutes, though patients should expect to spend two to three hours at UT Health Austin’s Ambulatory Surgery Center. Anesthesia is used to keep you comfortable, and sutures are generally not needed.

What can I expect after undergoing cataract surgery?

After undergoing cataract surgery, your vision may be blurry as your eye heals and adjusts. You may notice that colors appear brighter due to the new, clear lens. Follow up with your ophthalmologist the day after surgery and as recommended to monitor healing.

During the first week of recovery, avoid:

• Getting water in your eyes
• Heavy lifting, bending over, or straining
• Rubbing your eyes

These precautions are standard for all cataract surgery patients to ensure proper healing. You may also be advised to wear an eye patch or protective shield for a few days after surgery. Most discomfort should subside within a couple days and full healing typically occurs within eight weeks. 

Care Team Approach

At UT Health Austin, we take a multidisciplinary approach to your care. This means you will benefit from the expertise of multiple specialists across a variety of disciplines. Your care team will include fellowship-trained ophthalmologists, ophthalmic technicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, social workers, and more who work together to help you get back to the things in your life that matter most to you. We also collaborate with our colleagues at the Dell Medical School and The University of Texas at Austin to utilize the latest research, diagnostic, and treatment techniques, allowing us to identify new therapies to improve treatment outcomes. We are committed to communicating and coordinating your care with your other healthcare providers to ensure that we are providing you with comprehensive, whole-person care.

Learn More About Your Care Team