Cataract Surgery in Palm Beach Gardens

Cataracts typically develop at a gradual pace, until one day, you notice that daily tasks become a bit trickier.

Reading may be more difficult because you can’t see the pages clearly, or you may notice blind spots while driving. When your optometrist is no longer able to correct your vision with a regular prescription, it may be time to consider cataract surgery.

About a week before your procedure, your eye doctor will do special in-office testing to measure the size and shape of your eye. These measurements help your eye doctor determine the right type and size of IOL for you.

Following these measurements, our team will discuss what lens options best suit your needs and your eye’s health. Drops will be ordered to your pharmacy that we will ask you to start using 3 days before your surgery. You may be asked to see your primary care doctor for an eye exam prior to surgery.

On the day of your surgery, you will need a friend or family member that can drive you as you are not allowed to operate a vehicle after your treatment. Normally you will be asked not to eat or drink for 12 hours prior to your surgery and avoid any makeup or lotions on your face on the day of surgery.

We recommend that you wear comfortable loose fitting clothing. Most patients only need a day or 2 to recover at home, but make sure to discuss what to expect with your eye doctor.

Cataract surgery is an outpatient surgical procedure that typically takes less than 30 minutes to complete.

When you arrive at the surgery center, you will be taken to a pre-op area, where a nurse will get you ready for surgery. Before the procedure, your surgical eye will be dilated with drops, and an IV will be placed to give you medication to help you relax. Once you are taken to the operating room before your cataract surgeon begins, your eyes are numbed with anesthetic eye drops to prevent you from feeling pain. After the drops take effect, your surgeon will remove the natural lens and your cataract by creating a small incision in your cornea.

The incision allows for access to your lens, which is gently broken into smaller pieces and removed using a process called phacoemulsification. The lens capsule is left in place for the IOL to rest in after removing the natural lens. Once the IOL is in the right place, you will spend a short time in the recovery area before being allowed to go home and rest.

If you have decided to have laser-assisted cataract surgery, you will be brought to the laser suite before going into the operating room. A small cup will be placed on your eye in the laser room with some fluid. Dr. Iglesias will then program the laser to make incisions to enter the eye and correct your astigmatism. The laser will then be used to gently break the lens into smaller pieces. After this is complete, you will be taken into the operating room, and the surgery will be completed.

Please make sure you have a friend or family member available to drive you to and from your appointment. The procedure usually takes 30 minutes to complete.

Once your procedure is finished, your medical team will check to ensure you’re ready to go home to recover and provide you with post-care instructions.