Cataract Surgery
OSF Saint James can provide dropless, no stitch cataract surgery by an ophthalmologist, a doctor specializing in eye and vision care who can practice medicine and surgery. A referral from your optometrist or primary care provider will be needed.
Dropless, no stitch cataract surgery means a smaller incision resulting in a faster recovery time and no need for eye drops multiple times per day following surgery.
What are cataracts?
A cataract is a clouding of the eye's lens, which is normally clear.
The clouding prevents light rays from passing through the lens and focusing on the retina, which is a tissue lining located in the back of the eye that is sensitive to light.
The cloudiness interferes with your eyesight and may affect a small part of the lens.
The cataract can grow over time affecting more of the lens, which makes it harder to see.
As less light reaches the retina, it become more difficult to see and your vision may be dull and blurry.
Most people get cataracts in both eyes. Cataracts interfere with reading, driving and other daily activities.
Dropless, No stitch surgery
Small incision cataract surgery (phacoemulsification or phaco) is the most common type of cataract removal surgery.
The eye is anesthetized with eye drops instead of an injection. The ophthalmologist then makes a small cut on the edge of the cornea, which is the clear, dome-shaped surface covering the front of the eye.
Using a tiny probe that gives off ultrasound waves, the cloudiness is broken up and the cataract is suctioned through the small incision.
An intraocular lens is then implanted behind the iris, which is the colored part of the eye in the back of the eye.
No sutures are required as the incision is very small. It is made in such a way that the incision self seals.
Dropless cataract surgery reduces or eliminates the need for eye drops after cataract surgery.
This translates to not having to put drops in your eyes four times a day and freeing up more time.
Benefits
Dropless, No stitch surgery offers the following benefits:
- Safety
- Less time in surgery
- Relief from discomfort and stress
- Less risk of complications
- Improved success
- Faster recovery
- No need for eyedrops after surgery
What to expect
The surgery takes about 12 minutes once you are in the operating room. Recovery takes about 30 minutes.
Following the procedure, your vision will be blurry for several hours as the pupil is dilated during the procedure.
While everyone heals differently, be sure to report any eye pain or significant discomfort or if you don’t notice an improvement in blurry vision.
Immediately after the procedure, avoid bending over to prevent putting pressure on the eye. In the weeks following the surgery, avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity.
