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Cataract Surgery

Home » Other Procedures » Cataract Procedures » Cataract Surgery

If you’re experiencing blurry vision, glare, or difficulty with night driving, cataracts may be the cause. At NJ Eye and Ear LASIK Center, Dr. Jimmy Hu offers advanced cataract surgery using premium intraocular lenses (IOLs) to restore clarity and reduce dependence on glasses. With a personalized and precise approach to care, Dr. Hu helps patients regain sharp, confident vision tailored to their lifestyle.

For cataract evaluations and surgery scheduling, please visit the main NJ Eye and Ear website to book your consultation with our team.

Overview

Cataract surgery is a procedure to remove the cloudy lens in your eye and replace it with a clear, artificial intraocular lens (IOL). During the surgery, Dr. Hu will make a small incision in the eye, break up the cataract using ultrasound, and remove the cloudy lens. A custom IOL is then implanted to restore clear vision. The surgery is quick, minimally invasive, and performed under local anesthesia. Most patients experience improved vision within days and can resume normal activities shortly after recovery.

Cataract Surgery Treats:

Blurry or cloudy vision that affects daily activities
Difficulty seeing at night or in low light
Sensitivity to glare or light halos around headlights
Fading or yellowing of colors
Frequent changes in glasses or contact lens prescriptions
Impaired depth perception
Trouble with reading or seeing fine details
Reduced vision that affects driving or mobility

How Do IOLs Treat Cataracts?

Intraocular lenses (IOLs) are artificial lenses implanted during cataract surgery to replace the eye’s natural, cloudy lens. Made from biocompatible materials, IOLs focus light entering the eye onto the retina, restoring clear vision. Depending on the type, IOLs can correct refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

There are various types of IOLs, including monofocal, multifocal, and toric lenses, each for specific vision needs. IOLs improve overall visual clarity and depth perception, often reducing or eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses after surgery.

Benefits of Cataract Surgery:

Restores clear vision and improves quality of life
Reduces or eliminates the need for glasses or contacts
Quick, minimally invasive procedure with fast recovery
Improved vision for activities like reading, driving, and watching TV
Corrects refractive errors such as nearsightedness and astigmatism
Customizable with a range of premium IOL options
Safe, high success rate with minimal complications
Often immediate improvement in vision after surgery

Your Cataract Surgery Session

During cataract surgery, Dr. Hu administers a local anesthetic to numb the eye. A small, self-sealing incision is made in the cornea, usually less than 3mm. Using phacoemulsification, Dr. Hu breaks up the cloudy cataract lens with high-frequency ultrasound waves and removes the fragments. Once the cataract is removed, Dr. Hu inserts a foldable intraocular lens (IOL) into the eye through the same incision. The procedure typically takes 15-30 minutes.

Side Effects & Recovery

After cataract surgery, typical side effects include mild discomfort, dryness, or blurry vision, which usually resolve within a few days. Dr. Hu will provide you with medicated eye drops to prevent infection and reduce inflammation. As your eye heals, you may experience slight light sensitivity or floaters. It’s important to avoid strenuous activities or touching your eyes for a few weeks. Most patients notice improved vision within days, but full recovery can take weeks.

What Results Can I Expect?

After cataract surgery with Dr. Hu, most patients experience a significant improvement in vision, often within a few days. You can expect clearer, brighter vision, with reduced glare, halos, and difficulty seeing at night. The quality of your vision may continue to improve over several weeks as your eye fully heals. Depending on the type of intraocular lens (IOL) chosen, you may notice a reduction in your dependence on glasses or contacts.

Cataract Surgery FAQs

Is Cataract Surgery Painful?

Cataract surgery is generally not painful. Dr. Hu will administer a local anesthetic to numb your eye so you’ll remain comfortable throughout the procedure. You may experience mild pressure during the surgery but no significant pain. Afterward, it’s normal to feel some discomfort or irritation in your eye, but this can be managed with prescribed eye drops.

Can I Choose the Type of Iol for My Cataract Surgery?

Yes, Dr. Hu will discuss various intraocular lens (IOL) options with you before the procedure. There are several types of IOLs, including monofocal, multifocal, toric, and extended depth of focus lenses. Depending on your vision needs, lifestyle, and health, Dr. Hu will help you choose the most appropriate IOL. For instance, multifocal IOLs can reduce the need for reading glasses, while toric lenses can correct astigmatism.

Will I Need Glasses After Cataract Surgery?

Your need for glasses depends on the type of IOL. Monofocal IOLs generally provide clear vision at one distance, meaning you may still need glasses for reading or other close-up tasks. However, multifocal IOLs or extended depth of focus IOLs can reduce your reliance on glasses for both distance and near vision. Dr. Hu will discuss the best IOL options based on your vision needs and lifestyle to help minimize or eliminate the need for corrective lenses after surgery.

Can Cataract Surgery Correct Other Vision Problems Like Astigmatism?

Yes, cataract surgery can correct certain refractive errors like astigmatism. If you have astigmatism, Dr. Hu may recommend a toric IOL, which is specifically designed to correct this condition. Toric lenses provide clearer, sharper vision and can reduce your need for glasses or contacts after surgery. Dr. Hu will evaluate your eye health and guide you in selecting the best IOL to address both your cataracts and any other refractive issues.

Can Cataract Surgery Be Performed on Both Eyes at the Same Time?

Cataract surgery is typically performed on one eye at a time. Dr. Hu assesses the condition of both eyes and determines the best time for surgery. Usually, the second eye is operated on a few weeks after the first to allow the first eye to heal properly. This helps minimize the risk of complications and ensures that each eye heals at its own pace.

Schedule Your Consultation

Dr. Jimmy Hu is a highly skilled, board-certified cataract surgeon with advanced training in corneal and refractive surgery. With extensive experience and a dedication to patient care, Dr. Hu offers personalized cataract treatment plans to help restore your vision. As a trusted expert in the field, he ensures the best outcomes with the latest surgical techniques. Schedule your consultation today to discuss your cataract surgery and premium IOL options.

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