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Can You Get Cataract Surgery for Both Eyes at Once?
For patients who need cataract surgery done in both eyes, most doctors prefer to wait a few days between operating on the first eye and the second eye. But with the increasing popularity of procedures such as LASIK, during which many patients can have both eyes operated on in the same day, more and more people are asking, “Can you get cataract surgery for both eyes at once?”
The answer to this question isn’t straightforward for all practices. Learn why many doctors state that you shouldn’t get cataract surgery for both eyes at once, but others (including those at Eye Center of Texas) think you can and should.
What if I want to get cataract surgery in both eyes at once…?
Patients who live far away from their doctor or who find that visiting doctors to be an intensely stressful experience have good reason to want cataract surgery performed on both eyes at once. In fact, the desire for same-day cataract surgeries on both eyes has gotten so popular that it has its own acronym: SBCS (simultaneous [or sequential] bilateral cataract surgery), also referred to as SB.
Risk is the deterring factor for most doctors who are hesitant to perform SBCS. While cataract surgery is safe and complications from cataract surgery are rare, many doctors are wary that SBCS makes patients more vulnerable to eye infections, some of them potentially blinding.
Another reason some doctors prefer to wait between surgeries is that doing so gives them the opportunity to make adjustments to the procedure on the second eye, which is based on the eye’s reaction to the first eye. Out of concern for the health of your eyes, ECOT still prefers to wait a bit between the two surgeries to ensure their success.
How long do you have to wait between eyes for cataract surgery?
The cataract surgery recovery time varies from patient to patient, but most people are able to adjust to their cataract-less vision in about two weeks. Your doctor will likely want sight from your first eye to recover before performing surgery on the second eye. Following best practices for post-operative cataract surgery care will minimize your recovery time.
(For an example of best practices for post-operative cataract surgery, check out our article that answers the question, “When can I go swimming after cataract surgery?”)
Can cataract surgery be repeated?
Because it requires the removal of your cloudy lens, cataract surgery cannot be reversed or repeated. That said, cataract surgery is one of the safest and most common types of surgery in the nation. However, if a patient discovers they have issues with their replacement lens, they can have their IOL adjusted or changed. For more information on IOLs, read our posts on cataract surgery and multifocal lens pros and cons, monofocal lens implants, and astigmatism-correcting lenses.
What will happen if my cataract is left untreated?
While the question, “Can you get cataract surgery for both eyes at once?” is still up for debate, most doctors will agree that you shouldn’t leave your cataracts untreated; untreated cataracts can lead to total blindness.
That said, not all types of cataract surgery are the same. Eye Center of Texas was one of the first centers to offer bladeless cataract surgery (which is the safest and most precise means of removing cataracts), and the center continues to be a pioneer in cataract surgery treatments.
Considering cataract surgery in Houston? Have questions about cataract surgery costs? Over 300 Houston-area doctors choose to refer their patients to Eye Center of Texas for their vision needs. Call us today at 713-797-1010 or request an appointment online today.
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Can Cataracts Cause Headaches?
Cataracts come with a slew of frustrating symptoms, but can cataracts cause headaches?
While it’s very unlikely that your headache stems from cataracts, cataracts can indirectly cause headaches. In these cases, having your cataracts treated by a Houston cataracts specialist may provide some relief from your headaches.
Explore how cataracts can cause headaches, learn more about early signs of cataracts, and discover which eye conditions are the likely culprits behind headaches.
How can cataracts cause headaches?
OK, so how can cataracts cause headaches, even indirectly? Your body often tries to compensate for vision loss due to cataracts. In some cases, it can do so in ways that can create headaches. Specifically, you may squint to improve your focus or, conversely, raise your brows to let in more light. Both of these reactions can create headaches.
Additionally, when your cataracts are bad enough to negatively affect your vision, they may change the efficacy of your glasses, leading to a headache as your eye works harder to see.
Can cataracts cause ocular migraines?
No, cataracts do not cause ocular migraines. Ocular migraines are caused by a reduction in blood flow in the blood vessels of the eye. While ocular migraines may result in blurred vision that’s not entirely dissimilar to the blurred vision caused by cataracts, the blurred vision caused by ocular migraines should subside along with the migraine.
What are the typical cataract symptoms?
Are you concerned that you may have cataracts? If so, you may be wondering, “What is the first sign of cataracts?” Cataract symptoms vary from person-to-person, but you’re more likely to experience any of the following symptoms long before you experience a cataract-induced headache:
- Blurred, cloudy, or double vision
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Fading or yellowing of colors
- Frequent prescription changes
- Halos
- Light sensitivity
Exhibit none of these symptoms? Good! Maintain your good eye health and brush up on how to avoid cataracts.
What eye conditions do cause headaches?
While it’s unlikely that your headaches are caused by cataracts, there are other eye problems that are more likely to induce headaches:
- Angle-closure glaucoma
- Eye strain
- Ocular migraines
- Presbyopia (near vision)
Expert Cataract treatment in Houston
Can cataracts cause headaches? While the answer may be “rarely,” that doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen. The best way to find out if your headaches are caused by cataracts is to visit a professional (especially if you notice that you’re struggling with other cataract symptoms).
The surgeons at Eye Center of Texas provide some of the best cataract treatment in Houston, including treatment for fast-growing cataracts. With over 800,000 successful laser eye surgery procedures for cataracts, there’s no doubt that you’re putting your vision and eye health in capable hands.
Ready to see clearly again? Call Eye Center of Texas 713-797-1010 or request an appointment online today!
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The Top 3 Early Signs of Cataracts — With Photos
Just because cataracts can be a natural part of the aging process doesn’t mean you shouldn’t remain on the lookout for the early signs of cataracts. Discover the top three early signs of cataracts, including what those signs may look like (cataract pictures provided) and how to address those signs.
For more information on the early signs of cataracts (including fast-growing cataracts), take a look at our previous articles.
What are the first signs of cataracts?
1. General changes in vision quality
The early sign of cataracts that brings in the most patients are general concerns about changes in vision quality: the inability to see distant objects clearly, sensitivity to light, double vision, and halos around lights at nighttime. These changes are rarely drastic, and many patients assume that they simply need a change in prescription.
2. Blurred / cloudy vision
The first sign of cataracts will vary from person to person, but the next sign is usually blurriness. Blurred vision from cataracts occurs due to the buildup and clumping of proteins in your eye’s lens, which will block light from reaching your retina.
At first, only part of your vision may be blurred, but this area will likely grow over time if your cataract(s) remain untreated.
3. Eye discoloration
Eye discoloration is easily the most visible early sign of cataracts. The buildup of proteins may cause your lens to begin to yellow or brown. Unlike the other early signs of cataracts, however, your family and friends may be able to spot lens discoloration. It’s not uncommon for us to meet patients who have come to visit us due to the urging of individuals close to them.
This image shows what a cataract looks like in an advanced stage.
Catching and treating cataracts
Not all eye doctors are advocates for early cataract surgery. Depending on the types of cataract a patient is facing and the severity of vision loss they’re contending with, your doctor may opt to wait for a later date.
At the same time, many patients feel that the earlier you treat cataracts, the fewer sights you’ll miss out on. Ultimately, whether or not to pursue cataract surgery is a decision that should be made between you and your doctor.
In the meantime, we highly recommend learning how to avoid cataracts naturally and reading up on cataracts and sun exposure.
Laser eye surgery for cataracts and Eye Center of Texas
Eye Center of Texas provides the latest in blade-free cataract treatment: laser eye surgery for cataracts. Our nationally-recognized surgeons have performed over 80,000 successful laser cataract surgeries and are recommended by over 300 referring doctors.
Miss less of life’s special moments. Call us at 713-797-1010 or request an appointment online today to get started on your journey to better vision.
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What to Expect After Cataract Surgery: Side Effects and Timing
When asking about what to expect after cataract surgery, some patients want an explanation of the do’s and don’ts of cataract surgery recovery, while others simply want to know when to expect results.
Improved vision is, after all, the main reason most individuals pursue blade-free or traditional cataract surgery. Cataract surgery is widely regarded as a safe procedure. At the same time, engaged patients like to know about potential cataract surgery side effects and after effects. In this post, we’ll learn what to expect after cataract surgery as it pertains to recovery rates and vision.
If this is your first time researching cataract surgery, then we highly recommend checking out the following blogs in addition to this post.
- What causes cataracts?
- Is cataract surgery safe?
- Blade-free cataract surgery
- Fast-growing cataracts
- Cataract surgery multifocal lens pros and cons
How long does it take for my vision to stabilize after cataract surgery?
Vision after cataract surgery: it’s one of the most frequently discussed aspects of what to expect after cataract surgery. The amount of time it will take for your vision to stabilize is one of the most popular questions about cataracts. The standard answer to this question is 3 – 6 weeks, but any cataract surgeon worth his or her salt will tell you that post-surgery vision stabilization matters on the individual.
Nevertheless, the biggest factor that will determine the length of your vision stabilization time during recovery is the type of intraocular lens (IOL) you choose to have implanted during your cataract surgery.
Typically, patients who opt for Monofocal IOLs (the standard IOL that’s covered by most insurances) can expect a slightly longer time before adjusting to their new vision. This is the case because Monofocal lenses correct only nearsightedness or farsightedness but not both. Patients typically opt to correct for nearsightedness (for seeing far away objects) and then rely on glasses to help them see objects near-at-hand.
What causes cloudiness in the eye after cataract surgery?
Another item in the list of what to expect after cataract surgery is blurred or cloudy vision. Many patients may confuse this as a cataract surgery side effect early in their research. For the most part, blurred vision after cataract surgery refers to vision stabilization, as discussed above. Your eye is still getting accustomed to its new lens. Most patients state that their vision becomes less cloudy only 48 hours post-op. Keep in mind, if you have floaters, they may be more visible now that you are seeing through a clear lens.
What are the side effects of cataract surgery?
Cataract surgery is the world’s most common surgery. It is also one of the safest, with the vast majority of patients seeing (literally) positive outcomes. Outside of initial blurriness and dry eyes, side effects after cataract surgery are infrequent and rarely threatening.
However, cloudiness in the eye after cataract surgery may be indicative of a complication called endophthalmitis. Endophthalmitis is an inflammation of the eye’s interior, caused most frequently by an eye infection. Endophthalmitis is typically treatable with additional surgery and antibiotics.
Finally, some patients may experience posterior capsular opacification (CPO) — clouding of vision — after cataract surgery. This complication is typically treatable with laser surgery.
What to Expect After Cataract Surgery at Eye Center of Texas
Having performed over 80,000 successful cataract surgeries, the surgeons of Eye Center of Texas have transformed the lives of thousands of Houstonians. The most common cataract surgery after effects we’ve seen? Improved vision!
Put your vision in the hands of nationally renowned blade-free cataract surgery surgeons, and call us at 713-797-1010 or request an appointment online today to get started on your journey to better vision.
Related Resources to Cataract Surgery After Effects:
- Cataracts: Laser Surgery vs. Traditional Surgery
- LASIK Recovery Timeline
- Do Floaters Go Away On Their Own?
- The Four Stages of Diabetic Retinopathy
- Is My Vision Too Bad for LASIK?
Testimonials After Cataract Surgery
If you don’t want to take our word, or the word of over 275 Houston eye doctors, we understand! Here’s a recent testimonial from one of our over 80,000 satisfied cataract surgery patients: “I think Dr. Wade did an excellent job on my first cataract surgery. I was able to see clearly almost immediately.” – Janice
Find this and more testimonials about the successful cataract surgery after effects here.
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Houston Cataract Treatment from Cataract Specialists Near You
Houstonians will be pleased to discover that the Houston cataract surgeons at Eye Center of Texas are some of the best in the country. Not only do over 300 Houston-area doctors refer their patients to Eye Center of Texas for their vision needs, but our surgeons play active roles in pioneering the latest in vision correction technology.
Learn all about our Houston cataract treatment options and more, and start your cataract surgery journey off on the right foot.
What are cataracts?
Cataracts are a natural part of your eye’s aging process. In fact, over 50% of individuals at or above the age of 60 will develop a cataract in one or both eyes. Blurred vision, which is due to a clouding of your eye’s natural lens, is the main symptom of cataracts.
While most cataracts develop slowly over many years, individuals with certain conditions may be susceptible to fast-growing cataracts. Luckily, the fact that cataracts are common means that cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed eye surgeries in the world.
Laser cataract surgery in Houston
One of the most frequently asked questions we receive here at Eye Center of Texas is, “Is cataract surgery safe?” We are happy to report that, when performed by professionals, both traditional and laser cataract surgery are very safe procedures.
When comparing laser cataract surgery vs. traditional cataract surgery, however, many surgeons would argue that laser cataract surgery is a more accurate procedure. That’s because laser cataract surgery is blade-free. The Eye Center of Texas surgeons use the state-of-the-art LenSx femtosecond laser to customize your cataract surgery to the specific needs of your eye.
Lens replacement surgery in Houston
During cataract surgery, your doctor will remove your eye’s cloudy lens and replace it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). The standard replacement lens is the monofocal IOL. However, some patients may prefer a multifocal IOL or need a Toric IOL lens for astigmatism. Talk with your doctor about which IOL will best fit the needs of your eyes.
Finding experienced cataract surgeons in Houston
When researching cataract surgery and cataract surgery cost, we highly recommend researching your area’s cataract surgeon ratings. Not all cataract surgeons are the same, and you will want to make sure that you’re leaving your vision in qualified hands.
The Houston cataract surgeons at Eye Center of Texas have collectively performed over 80,000 successful cataract surgeries, and they frequently top the local “Best Cataract Surgeons Near Me” lists.
We are proud to have returned clear vision to the lives of so many Houstonians, and we are pleased to be able to do so without adding stress to a household’s budget. Expenses that aren’t covered by Medicare or health insurance are made manageable with Eye Center of Texas’s monthly payment plans via Care Credit.
Houston Cataracts don’t stand a chance at Eye Center of Texas
It’s time to see life’s priceless moments with clear vision again. For more information about Houston cataract surgery at Eye Center of Texas, call 713-797-1010 or request an appointment online today!
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Laser Cataract Surgery vs. Traditional Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is one of the most common surgeries performed worldwide, with one in every three adults receiving the operation during their lifetime. This means that there is a strong chance that either you or a loved one will need to weigh the pros and cons of laser cataract surgery vs. traditional cataract surgery.
While traditional cataract surgery is safe, growing evidence tends to highlight the many benefits associated with laser-assisted cataract surgery. Learn more about these benefits, as well as more information on what other factors are important to weigh when considering laser cataract surgery vs. traditional cataract surgery.
Understanding laser cataract surgery vs. traditional cataract surgery
When considering laser cataract surgery vs. traditional cataract surgery, you’ll notice that the main difference between the surgeries is not the overarching procedural method but the way that method is reached.
In traditional cataract surgery, also called phacoemulsification, your surgeon creates a small, handheld corneal incision with a blade. Then, they insert a device through this incision and into the lens capsule. Next, your surgeon will break up the cloudy lens using ultrasound waves, remove those pieces out of the lens capsule, and replace the old, cloudy lens with a clear, artificial one.
In laser-assisted cataract surgery, a camera is used to map the surface of your eye. Using this map, a femtosecond laser breaks up the cloudy lens and creates a precise incision in your cornea and lens capsule. As with traditional cataract surgery, your surgeon will then suction out the broken-up cloudy lens and insert a new artificial lens.
From incision to lens implantation, traditional cataract surgery takes around 15 minutes to complete, while laser-assisted cataract surgery takes around 20 minutes. Since the surgery duration is rather similar, you’re probably wondering, “Is laser surgery better for cataracts?”
Is laser cataract surgery safe?
Yes! Safety is one aspect that you typically don’t have to worry about when considering laser cataract surgery vs. traditional cataract surgery. However, the success of traditional cataract surgery can be highly dependent on the skill and experience of your surgeon.
Unsurprisingly, studies have shown that corneal incisions and anterior capsulotomy made during laser-assisted cataract surgeries may be more accurate than when they’re done with a handheld blade. Additionally, the heat generated by the ultrasound used in traditional cataract surgery is more likely to burn the corneal incision and damage the lens capsule.
While more testing needs to be completed, this accuracy and improved safety may help reduce your risks for incurring cataract surgery-related complications. (For more information on the safety of cataract surgery, read our blog addressing the question, “How safe is cataract surgery?”)
What is the laser cataract surgery recovery time?
The laser cataract surgery recovery time vs. traditional cataract surgery recovery time is not monumentally different. Patients might even be able to see clearly the day of or after surgery (although sometimes it can take up to 2 weeks to achieve clear vision), and they should be fully recovered after 3 months.
However, the higher likelihood of complications occurring in traditional cataract surgery may increase your recovery time.
What are the laser cataract surgery side effects?
Similar to recovery time, laser cataract surgery vs. traditional cataract surgery side effects tend to be the same. These can include:
- Eye infection
- Inflammation
- Bleeding
- Fluid buildup and/or eye pressure
- Implant movement or detachment
- Retinal detachment
Again, the increased accuracy and safety of laser-assisted cataract surgery may reduce the likelihood of you having to manage these potential side effects. For more information on post-cataract surgery side effects, read our blog on what to expect after cataract surgery.
Are there other ways to improve your cataract surgery outcome?
Whether you’re still debating laser cataract surgery vs. traditional cataract surgery or not, one way to improve your cataract surgery outcome is by carefully selecting the type of artificial lens you have implanted during your surgery.
The majority of patients opt for a monofocal intraocular lens, which allows you to see better in one distance dimension. Multifocal cataract lenses, however, allow you to see both near and far objects better and are the most common astigmatism-correcting lenses chosen for cataract surgery.
When discussing cataract surgery options with your ophthalmologist, make sure to ask about lens options.
Eye Center of Texas: Helping you make the right cataract surgery choices
Debating laser cataract surgery vs. traditional cataract surgery? Confused about the cost of cataract surgery or what insurance does and doesn’t cover? Worried that you have fast-growing cataracts and need surgery ASAP? The staff at Eye Center of Texas is here to help!
Eye Center of Texas’s Drs. Mark L. Mayo and Edward C. Wade are both pioneers in bladeless eye surgery methods and receive referrals from over 300 Houston eye doctors. Along with their colleagues at Eye Center of Texas, they have performed over 80,000 successful cataract surgeries.
There’s no better choice for your cataract surgery in Houston. Give us a call at 712-797-1010 or contact us online to request your appointment today.
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What Are the Early Signs of Cataracts?
When older patients come to us, they usually have a range of questions and concerns about their eyesight. Some wonder, “What’s the likelihood I’ll need glasses?” when what they really should be asking is “What are the early signs of cataracts?”
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What to Expect After Cataract Surgery
Knowing what to expect after cataract surgery sets you up for a smooth recovery. Whether you elect to have dropless cataract surgery, laser cataract surgery, or to combine glaucoma and cataract surgery, it’s best to know in advance how you plan to handle driving after cataract surgery, exercising after cataract surgery, cooking after cataract surgery, and (potentially) blurred vision after cataract surgery.
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8 Reasons to Consider Multifocal IOLs for Cataracts
Patients who have had cataract surgery had several lens types to choose from, including multifocal intraocular lenses (multifocal IOLs). The FDA approved multifocal lens is the most advanced intraocular lens that Eye Center of Texas offers, and one of the most favored multifocal IOLs for cataracts.
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Fuchs Dystrophy and Cataracts: Your Surgery Options
Can someone with Fuchs Dystrophy and cataracts have cataract surgery? Is it possible to have surgery for Fuchs Corneal Dystrophy and cataract surgery at the same time?
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6565 W. Loop S., Suite 650Bellaire, TX 77401
Medical Office:
713-797-1010
Medical Fax:
713-357-7276
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Fax: 713-357-7278
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Medical Office:
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Medical Office:
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Houston, TX 77084
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Medical Fax:
713-357-7276
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Medical Office:
713-797-1010
Medical Fax:
936-647-1620
