How is Refractive Cataract Surgery Performed?

Cataracts are an eye condition that affects millions of people around the world. As we age, our natural eye lens gradually becomes cloudy and less effective at focusing light on the retina, which makes it difficult to see. Refractive cataract surgery in Birmingham, AL is an excellent treatment option for people who experience cloudy vision or vision loss due to this condition.

Are you interested in finding out how refractive cataract surgery works? A board-certified ophthalmologist, like Dr. Young H. Choi, can explain the process during a consultation. Call Young H. Choi, M.D. Eye Surgery Center to schedule your cataract assessment and see how we can help.

What causes cataracts?

Cataracts cloud your vision due to age, but there are other risk factors involved. Individuals with health concerns, like diabetes and high blood pressure, may develop cataracts sooner than those without these conditions. Excess exposure to sunlight, smoking, obesity, and previous eye injuries also increase your risk.

Cataracts impact how well we see, especially in low-light conditions. In addition to cloudy vision, some people with cataracts may also notice blurry or foggy vision. This can make driving at night difficult and impact our ability to do activities, like driving, reading a book, or even using the computer.

How does refractive cataract surgery work?

Refractive cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure performed on-site at Young H. Choi, M.D. Eye Surgery Center’s accredited facility. Surgery takes about an hour to finish, and our staff can apply a local anesthetic, so your eyes stay numb. We also offer a mild sedative, so you feel calm and at ease during cataract surgery.

During refractive cataract surgery near Birmingham, AL, Dr. Choi will remove your eye's natural lens. It's important we do this carefully to minimize your risk of complications. Afterward, we implant a state-of-the-art intraocular lens (IOL). These lenses are designed to restore vision loss and improve existing errors, like nearsightedness or farsightedness.

What happens after refractive cataract surgery?

Our experienced team is dedicated to your comfort and safety, so you can expect a quick recovery. Dr. Choi will provide detailed instructions for caring for yourself at home following the procedure, such as resting and taking medication as needed. Most patients resume normal activities within several days. You may experience some discomfort and sensitivity to light. These side effects are normal and should dissipate as your eyes heal.

Some guidelines for recovery include:

• Avoid bright lights

• Don't get your eyes wet

• Take any prescribed medication as directed by our team

If you notice any irregularities or changes in your vision, call our office right away. We’re happy to answer questions and address safety concerns so you can get back to feeling 100% again after refractive cataract surgery.

No more cloudy vision

Young H. Choi, M.D. Eye Surgery Center is happy to be an educational resource for patients in Birmingham, AL, and the surrounding areas. We’re also proud to be an active member of our local community. For example, for every cataract surgery performed at our clinic, Dr. Young H. Choi pays for cataract surgery in another country. This is done through The Himalayan Cataract Project, which seeks to eradicate preventable vision loss and blindness in the developing world. We also work with the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama and the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA). To learn what happens after refractive cataract surgery, or to discover more about our community involvement, call for an appointment.