Cataract Surgery is the removal of the lens of the eye that has developed a cataract - a "clouding" of the lens in your eye. The natural lens is usually replaced with an artificial intraocular lens. Cataract operations are very common in older adults and are generally regarded as among the safest types of surgery.

In general, surgery is indicated for people with cataracts under the following circumstances:

• An eye test of 20/40 or worse due to the cataract and the condition that glasses or visual aids no longer being helpful.
• The individual is having difficulties with the activities of daily life.
• The patient is having difficulty in low light and is at risk for a fall or injury.

If impairment is severe, surgery is the only alternative. However, if you are just developing cataracts, your doctor may suggest the following:

• The use of stronger corrective eyeglasses or contact lenses.
• An accurate and updated corrective eyeglasses/contact lens prescription.
• A magnifying glass for reading.
• Improved lighting in your home with more or brighter lamps, for example, ones that can accommodate halogen lights or 100- to 150-watt incandescent bulbs. When you go outside during the day, wear sunglasses to reduce glare.
• Medications that dilate the pupil.

Prior to any surgery, your doctor will give you a complete medical examination and evaluate your overall health and your health history. You may be required to get additional tests such as X-rays and lab tests. Your doctor will also review with you the potential risks and benefits of the operation and will ask you to sign a consent form. It is important that you ask questions and be sure you understand the reason for the surgery as well as the risks.

It is important that you inform your doctor if you have allergies to any medications, what medications you are taking, and if you have bleeding problems. It is also important to inform your doctor if you are pregnant.

Your doctor will also give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications. Carefully following these instructions will help your surgery go more smoothly.

Depending on the circumstances of your surgery, you may be instructed to do the following:

• Completely empty your colon and cleanse your intestines prior to surgery. You may be requested to drink clear liquids only for one or several days prior to surgery.
• Stop eating or drinking after midnight the night before the operation except medications that your doctor has told you are permissible to take with a sip of water the morning of surgery.
• Plan for your care and recovery after the operation. Find someone to drive you home after the surgery. Allow for time to rest and try to find people to help you with your day-to-day duties.
• Stop smoking at least six to eight weeks prior to surgery as smoking delays wound healing. Smokers are also more likely to have breathing problems during surgery.

The outcome of cataract surgery is usually excellent. Improvement in sight occurs in most cases, there is minimal pain involved and the recovery is very short. Ninety-five percent or more of all cataract surgeries result in improved vision.

While the procedure is low-risk, there are some risks including:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Inflammation
• Retinal detachment

Because this operation is usually performed on an outpatient basis, you will return home the same day. Expect complete healing in about 10 weeks.

A variety of factors may influence the cost of the surgery. They include:

• Insurance coverage
• Pre-existing health
• Insurance co-pay
• Location of the facility

These factors vary depending on you and your situation.

The cost of each procedure can vary dramatically based upon age, location, gender, and insurance coverage. HealthGrades provides detailed cost estimates which include the costs of the procedure, drugs, hospital stay, and more. Each cost estimate is easy to understand and provides medical terms you need to know.

The detailed cost estimate for Cataract Surgery, includes costs for:

• Cataract removal with lens implant with/without surgical cut or injection to release ligament holding the lens