How Safe is Refractive Cataract Surgery?

man looking off

Cataract surgery may have been a risky procedure in the past. But today, new technologies and techniques mean cataract removal is safer and more reliable than ever before. This quick and relatively painless procedure offered at Young H. Choi, M.D. Eye Surgery Center involves removing the cloudy lens, then replacing it with a premium artificial intraocular lens (IOL) that improves your vision.

Although refractive cataract surgery is safe for most patients, there are always risks involved with any medical procedure. It's important to discuss these risks as well as your expectations with a board-certified ophthalmologist. Before proceeding forward with lens replacement, we encourage you to meet with Dr. Young H. Choi. Call us near Birmingham, AL, to schedule your consultation.

What happens during refractive cataract surgery?

Patients seek traditional cataract surgery to remove cloudy lenses that interfere with their daily activities, such as driving or watching television. While many people choose to have their cloudy lens replaced with conventional lenses, Young H. Choi, M.D. Eye Surgery Center offers premium refractive IOLs to address issues like nearsightedness and farsightedness. Now you can lessen your dependency on aids like glasses and contacts.

Am I a candidate for refractive eye surgery?

If you're experiencing vision loss due to cataracts, the first step to restoring your eyesight is to schedule an eye assessment in Birmingham, AL. A comprehensive eye exam is important because we want to determine your candidacy for lens replacement and refractive IOLs. The more suited you are to surgery, the safer and more successful the results. Inform our team if you have problems like:

  • Diabetic retinopathy

  • A sudden increase in floaters and flashes in your visual field

  • Glaucoma (which can cause you to lose peripheral vision)

  • Macular degeneration (which often occurs with aging and affects the center of your retina)

  • Congenital eye problems or birth defects

How safe are surgery and recovery?

Dr. Choi performs refractive eye surgery using premium, customizable lenses and the latest technology available. This ensures you'll experience a quick procedure and comfortable recovery with minimal downtime. During your first few days of recovery, we may prescribe medication and eye drops to ease any discomfort. Our team will also schedule follow-up eye care appointments as needed.

Is it safer to have lens replacement surgery sooner or later?

We advise patients of all ages to schedule cataract surgery sooner rather than later because waiting can cause your vision to worsen. Untreated cataracts can even lead to blindness, which means you lose your independence and quality of life. We'll work closely with you before, during, and after lens replacement to ensure your safety and comfort.

Dr. Choi performs procedures on adults of all ages with cataracts, and we're happy to review the details with you during your consultation. While there's no age limit for refractive IOLs, we won't recommend it if you're pregnant or have active eye infections. Once these issues have been resolved, we can revisit your potential candidacy.

Your safety is our top concern

The only way to know if refractive eye surgery is safe for you is by asking the right questions! If you have any general concerns about eye surgery, don't hesitate to contact Dr. Young H. Choi. Our specialists at Young H. Choi, M.D. Eye Surgery Center are always on hand to answer your call so that we can guide you through the process. Call our eye care team near Birmingham, AL to discover the benefits of this safe cataract surgery.

* All information subject to change. Images may contain models. Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary.