We perform over 7,000 cataract eye surgeries in Knoxville a year at Tennessee Valley Eye Center. They help clear up eye problems such as blurry vision, sensitivity to light, poor night vision, as well as other vision problems associated with cataract symptoms. Eye centers like ours are perfectly equipped to treat cataracts and rid you of their symptoms once and for all.
Options for cataract surgery in Knoxville include traditional cataract surgery and custom cataract surgery. Your eye surgeon will instruct you on how to prepare for your procedure as well as what to expect on the day of your surgery. Recovery takes about eight weeks, so follow your surgeon’s instructions for the best results.
Options for Cataract Surgery in Knoxville, TN
Surgery is usually the last resort in cataract treatment. Before this stage, your eye doctor will provide cataract treatment without surgery using prescription glasses or contacts. Unfortunately, your vision may reach a point where glasses, contact lenses, and magnifying lenses no longer cut it in your daily activities. Unlike glaucoma, there are currently no eye drop treatments for cataracts.
Cataract surgery is the only option for restoring and preserving your vision after a certain point. It works by removing the lens, the clouded part of your eye, so that you can see clearly again. A lens implementation procedure is also performed to reduce refractive errors and improve focus.
Click here to learn what you can do to prevent cataracts!
Traditional Cataract Surgery
A process known as phacoemulsification is used during cataract surgery. It involves using a special probe that breaks up the cataract with ultrasonic vibrations directed into the eye. Your eye doctor then removes your old lens and replaces it with a new prosthetic device known as an intraocular lens. It helps you focus your vision and reduces refractive errors so that you can see normally.
Receiving your new intraocular lens is a very important part of your cataract surgery. Even a standard monofocal lens used in traditional cataract surgery can correct lifelong issues such as farsightedness and nearsightedness. This can help you see without corrective lenses. However, monofocal lenses may not be able to treat astigmatism to the level of clarity you may desire.
Custom Cataract Surgery
The removal process for custom cataract surgery is the same as what you would experience during traditional cataract surgery. The big difference between the two forms of treatment is the type of artificial lens that’s used once the cataract has been removed. With custom cataract surgery, you receive a premium lens that provides more benefits than a regular monofocal lens.
Unlike standard artificial lenses used to replace your natural ones, these premium intraocular lenses are able to treat issues such as astigmatism as well as age-related eye problems. This can make them much more preferable when compared to traditional monofocal lenses. With these advanced lenses, you can experience sight like you never have before.
When performing custom cataract surgery, the surgeons here at Tennessee Valley Eye Center take advantage of ORA technology. It is an intraoperative tool that helps them work with more precision than traditional preoperative methods. With ORA, our surgeons receive measurements in real-time to prevent refractive problems later on.
To learn what causes cataracts, click here!
What to Expect During Your Cataract Surgery
Knowing what to expect during your cataract surgery is as important as knowing how it benefits your vision. This information will allow you to be more prepared, which will help you feel less anxious on the day of your cataract surgery in Knoxville. As you prepare, make sure to discuss what steps you should take with your eye doctor for the best results.
Click here to read our comprehensive guide to cataracts!
Preparing for Surgery
Your eye doctor in Knoxville will ask you to refrain from eating or drinking for at least eight hours before your procedure. They will also want to know about any medications or supplements that you’re taking since they can cause increased bleeding. One of our preadmission nurses will discuss your medical history before your procedure.
Imaging studies will also be scheduled before your cataract surgery. It’s a painless procedure to measure the size and shape of your eye in order to determine the necessary size and strength of your new implant. You will need to schedule a ride to and from surgery since you won’t be able to drive. Make sure to follow all instructions your doctor gives you and those on your medications.
The Procedure
Cataract surgery lasts less than an hour and our team will do everything we can to keep you comfortable. During the procedure, your eye doctor will:
- Use eye drops to dilate your pupils
- Apply a local anesthetic to numb the area
- Remove the affected lens
- Implant a new artificial lens
Those who have cataracts in both eyes will wait until the first eye has healed before operating on the other eye. The wait time is usually 2 – 4 weeks, ensuring that your eye will be healthy enough to use before operating on the other eye.
Recovering From Cataract Surgery
Blurred vision is common the first few days after surgery, but most patients experience improved vision within a week after surgery. You may notice that the yellow or brownish tint has disappeared and experience brighter colors in the second week. Mild itching and discomfort are common, but you should avoid rubbing your eyes while they are healing.
Your doctor will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor the healing process. They may also recommend wearing an eye patch or shield to protect your eye while it heals. Eye drops may be prescribed to prevent issues such as infection, inflammation, and high eye pressure. In all, it can take about eight weeks for your eye to fully heal from cataract surgery.
Do you have any questions about your cataract surgery in Knoxville? Contact us today with any questions you may have!
Traditional cataract surgery and custom cataract surgery are options for cataract surgery in Knoxville. Your eye doctor will recommend an option that’s best for your particular case. They will also give you instructions on how to prepare for surgery, what to expect during the procedure, and what you can do to recover with the best results.
Tennessee Valley Eye Center is Knoxville’s premier eye care facility, performing more eye surgeries than any other facility in the region. Our board-certified surgeons cover all ophthalmic subspecialties, including cataracts, cornea, glaucoma, retina, eyelid disorders and cancers, and eye muscle surgeries. We want you to feel as comfortable and confident as possible as you prepare for surgery. If you would like to discuss your surgery with us at any time, please do not hesitate to contact us.
