Question 1

Who gets Cataracts?

Accepted Answer

Cataracts are a condition that is most often related to aging. Data shows that more than 50% of Americans undergo cataract or cataract surgery by the time they are 80. In some cases, babies, small children, and middle-aged adults may also have cataracts, either as a natural condition present at birth or a development related to another medical condition.

Question 2

What causes Cataracts?

Accepted Answer

There are various contributing factors to the development of cataracts. Some of those include aging eyes, diabetes, high blood pressure, injuries to the eye, inflammation of the eyes, prior eye surgery, and excess sun exposure over time.

Question 3

What time of year is best for Cataract surgery?

Accepted Answer

Doctors usually recommend undergoing cataract surgery in the winter, as people tend to have more downtime during this season, making it easier for them to properly recover.

Question 4

What is the best and safest Cataract surgery?

Accepted Answer

Traditional cataract surgery, also referred to as phacoemulsification, is the most widely performed eye surgery in the world. While other methods have been developed in recent decades, none of them have the level of safety and efficacy associated with the traditional approach.

Question 5

Is it better to have cataract surgery sooner or later?

Accepted Answer

While it's technically never too late to have cataracts removed, it is best to have them removed while they are still early on in the development process. Getting them early will ultimately reduce the length of surgery and recovery time. Removing them earlier can also save patients from the significant vision impairment that is associated with more mature cases.

Question 6

How long do I have to sleep on one side after cataract surgery?

Accepted Answer

It is recommended that patients avoid sleeping on the side of the operated eye for the first 24 hours. After that, it is usually safe for patients to sleep on either side.

Question 7

Why can’t you drink water before cataract surgery?

Accepted Answer

When patients are under sedation, stomach acid could potentially get into the lungs, which can result in damage. As such, it is recommended that patients fast for at least 12 hours leading up to their procedure and refrain from drinking water immediately before cataract surgery in NYC.