Cataract Surgery
Frequently Asked Questions

Cataract surgery is one of the most common procedures in ophthalmology. A cataract occurs when the eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy, making it harder to see clearly. During surgery, the cloudy lens is carefully removed and replaced with a clear artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL). This restores sharper, brighter vision. Modern cataract surgery is quick, safe, and highly effective, with millions of people benefiting from it each year. At Zelenak Eye Institute, Dr. Zelenak performs cataract surgery using advanced technology to ensure the best possible outcome for each patient.

When you have cataract surgery, you can choose from different types of IOLs depending on your vision goals. Monofocal lenses provide clear vision at one distance, usually set for distance vision, and glasses may still be needed for reading or computer work. Toric lenses are designed for patients with astigmatism, correcting irregular curvature of the cornea while restoring clear vision. Multifocal lenses allow you to see at multiple distances, often reducing or eliminating the need for glasses after surgery. Extended depth of focus (EDOF) lenses provide a continuous, natural range of vision from distance to intermediate. Dr. Zelenak will discuss which lens option is best suited to your eyes, lifestyle, and visual goals.

Most patients are surprised at how comfortable the procedure is. Cataract surgery is performed using numbing eye drops, so you remain awake but feel no pain. You may notice some pressure or slight movement during the procedure, but it is not painful. After surgery, mild irritation, dryness, or a scratchy feeling is normal for a short time and usually improves quickly.

The procedure itself typically takes less than 10 minutes per eye. However, plan to be at the surgical center for 2 to 3 hours to allow time for preparation, anesthesia, and recovery before heading home. Patients go home the same day and are able to resume light activities within 24 hours.

If both eyes need cataract surgery, they are typically done two weeks apart. This allows the first eye to heal and your vision to stabilize before operating on the second eye. During the period between surgeries, some patients notice a feeling of visual imbalance between the two eyes. This is completely normal and resolves once the second eye has been treated. Dr. Zelenak finds that two weeks is usually enough time to allow the first eye to heal while minimizing the period of imbalance as much as possible.

Recovery is generally smooth and quick. Most patients notice clearer vision within a few days, though it can take a few weeks for your eyesight to fully stabilize. Eye drops will be prescribed to prevent infection and reduce inflammation. You may experience mild blurriness, light sensitivity, or dry eye symptoms at first. Most people return to normal routines within a week, but final healing can take up to a month.

While recovery is fast, there are a few temporary restrictions to protect your eyes. Avoid rubbing or pressing on the eye. Do not lift heavy objects or do strenuous exercise for at least a week. Keep water, soap, and dust out of your eyes. Avoid swimming and hot tubs until your doctor clears you. Dr. Zelenak will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions tailored to your healing process.

You will not be able to drive yourself home after surgery, as mild sedation is used during the procedure. Driving is restricted for 24 hours following surgery, so please arrange for someone to drive you home and be available to assist you that day. Most patients feel comfortable driving to their follow-up appointment the next day. However, we ask that you only drive if you feel safe doing so. If you have any doubt, please arrange for someone to drive you. Dr. Zelenak will confirm when it is safe for you to resume driving at your follow-up appointment.

Yes, Medicare covers cataract surgery when it is medically necessary. It is the patient’s responsibility to understand their own insurance policy and any copays, deductibles, or coinsurance they may be responsible for. We are happy to help however possible with this. Cataract surgery with the implantation of a basic monofocal lens is usually covered. However, premium lenses such as multifocal, EDOF, or toric IOLs are considered an elective upgrade and are not fully covered by insurance. Patients choosing premium lenses will have additional out-of-pocket costs, but patients who choose these upgrades find them a very worthwhile investment in their long-term vision and lifestyle satisfaction.

Dr. Zelenak recommends considering cataract surgery when his patients start to experience visual disturbances that are impacting their daily lives. Typically, the first sign of cataracts is increasing glare while driving at night, especially in the rain. Once you do start to notice issues with your vision, symptoms tend to worsen with time. If you are experiencing glare, trouble seeing writing on the TV, or difficulty with small print, the first suggestion would be to check if glasses can help. If glasses offer no improvement, it may be time to consider a cataract evaluation with an ophthalmologist.

Dr. Zelenak will evaluate the severity of your cataracts and discuss your symptoms and lifestyle during your consultation to help determine the right time for you. The goal is never to rush surgery, but also never to let cataracts unnecessarily limit your quality of life. Because cataracts grow slowly, nearly every patient is surprised how much their vision was actually suffering after having their cataracts removed.

Most adults diagnosed with visually significant cataracts are good candidates for cataract surgery. Generally, if your cataracts are affecting your quality of life and your eyes are otherwise healthy, surgery is a safe and effective option. Certain conditions such as advanced glaucoma, macular degeneration, or other retinal diseases may affect your expected outcome, and Dr. Zelenak will discuss this with you honestly during your consultation. The best way to determine if you are a candidate is to schedule a comprehensive eye exam. Dr. Zelenak will evaluate your eyes thoroughly, review your medical history, and give you his honest recommendation based on what is best for your individual situation.

Basic cataract surgery involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with a basic monofocal IOL, which provides clear vision at one distance, typically distance vision. Basic lenses do not correct astigmatism, so most patients will still require glasses to see their best at distance, as well as bifocals or reading glasses for near tasks such as computers or reading. This option is covered by Medicare and most insurance plans.

Premium cataract surgery uses advanced technology lenses, including multifocal, EDOF, and toric IOLs, to provide a broader range of vision and reduce or eliminate dependence on glasses after surgery. Premium lenses are an elective upgrade and involve additional out-of-pocket costs not covered by insurance.

The right choice depends entirely on your lifestyle, your vision goals, and your eye health. Dr. Zelenak takes the time to understand what matters most to you before making any recommendation. Some patients are perfectly happy with distance vision and glasses for reading. Others place a high value on not needing glasses every day. There is no one-size-fits-all answer, and Dr. Zelenak will never suggest any lens upgrades if it is not appropriate or in the patient’s best interest.

Dr. Zelenak uses advanced technology at every stage of the cataract surgery process to ensure the most accurate and personalized outcome possible. Prior to surgery, the Zeiss Atlas Topographer maps the curvature of your cornea and the ARGOS Biometer takes precise measurements of your eye, both of which are critical for selecting the correct lens power and achieving the best possible vision after surgery.

During surgery, the ORA System with VerifEye+ Technology provides real-time guidance, allowing Dr. Zelenak to verify lens selection and placement while you are on the operating table, including precise alignment for toric astigmatism correcting lenses. This level of intraoperative precision is particularly valuable for patients choosing premium lenses, where accuracy is essential to achieving the best results. Together, these technologies allow Dr. Zelenak to achieve the best outcomes currently possible for his patients.

Whether you need glasses after cataract surgery depends largely on the type of lens implant you choose. Patients who choose a basic monofocal lens will typically still need glasses for reading and may need them for distance as well if they have any astigmatism. Patients who choose a premium lens such as a multifocal, EDOF, or toric IOL can expect a significant reduction in their dependence on glasses, and many are able to go through most of their daily activities without them.

It is important to have realistic expectations. No lens implant can guarantee complete freedom from glasses in every situation, and Dr. Zelenak will give you an honest assessment of what to expect based on your eyes and the lens you choose. Patients who choose a premium lens are typically very satisfied with their level of visual independence after surgery.

On the day of your cataract surgery, plan to arrive at the surgical center approximately one to two hours before your scheduled procedure. You will be checked in, and the nursing staff will prepare you for surgery, which includes placing dilating drops and numbing drops in your eye and administering mild sedation through an IV to keep you relaxed and comfortable. The procedure itself takes less than 10 minutes, after which you will rest briefly in the recovery area before being discharged. You will need someone to drive you home. Most patients feel well enough to resume light activities later that same day, though your vision may be blurry for the remainder of the day. Dr. Zelenak will see you for a follow-up appointment to check on your healing and answer any questions you may have.

Standard cataract surgery alone does not correct astigmatism. However, with the right lens choice, astigmatism can be addressed at the time of cataract surgery. Toric IOLs are specifically designed to correct astigmatism, and when combined with the precise pre-operative measurements taken with the Zeiss Atlas Topographer and ARGOS Biometer, along with real-time alignment guidance from the ORA System during surgery, Dr. Zelenak is able to achieve very accurate astigmatism correction for most patients.

For patients with astigmatism who choose a basic monofocal lens, the astigmatism remains untreated and glasses will be required to see their best at distance along with a bifocal for reading. If you have astigmatism and are considering cataract surgery, Dr. Zelenak will discuss your options during your consultation and recommend the best approach for your individual situation.