Being one of Northeast Ohio's leading ophthalmologists, Dr. Davis has performed over 30,000 cataract surgeries.

Cataracts usually develop as part of the aging process, but may also be the results of: Eye injuries Certain diseases Medications Genetic factors

What is a cataract?

A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye.  The lens focuses light rays on the retina on the back of the eye to produce a sharp image of what we see.  When the lens becomes cloudy, the light rays cannot pass easily through it, and the image becomes blurry.

How can a cataract be treated?

The cataract may not require treatment at all if the vision is only slightly blurry.  A change in your eyeglass prescription may improve vision for awhile.

There are no medications, eye drops, exercises, or eyeglasses that will cause cataracts to disappear once they have formed.  When you are not able to see well enough to do the things you like to do, cataract surgery should be considered.  Surgery is the only way to remove a cataract.

Cataracts can only be removed through a surgical incision.  In most cataract surgeries, the cloudy lens is removed from the eye and replaced with a permanent intraocluar lens implant.

Multifocal Lens Technology

Until recently, patients choosing to undergo lens implant surgery could only receive a monofocal, or single focus intraocular lens implant. This provided excellent distance vision, however, the patient was required to use reading glasses or contacts for intermediate and near vision.

Today, revolutionary new lens technology allows patients to have a choice. Lenses such as AcrySof®ReStor, ReZoom® and Crystalens® are intraocular lenses that offer patients a fuller range of vision and possible independence from glasses and contact lenses.  Patients will incur an upgrade fee for this new type of lens that neither Medicare nor private insurance will cover.  As with all surgical procedures, a comprehensive eye exam must be performed to determine your candidacy for these newer lenses.

What can I expect if I decide to have surgery?

Before surgery.

It will be necessary to provide Dr. Davis with your medical history so that he may be alerted to any special medical risks.  The staff  will educate you on whether you will need to make any temporary changes to your current medications.

The Day of Surgery

Surgery is done on an outpatient basis.  You may be asked to delay breakfast, depending on the time of your surgery.  Upon arrival for surgery, you will be registered and eye drops will be administered.

You must bring a current list of all medications you are taking, their dosage, and strength. 

Upon admission to the pre-surgical area, the nurses will make a thorough nursing assessment.

A brief history and physical will be performed at the bedside prior to your surgery by one of our anesthesiologists.  At this time, the anesthesiologist will administer a local anesthetic, with or without an eyeblock, which will make the operation painless.

Once in surgery, the skin around the eye will be thoroughly cleansed, and sterile coverings will be placed around your head.  Though you may see light and movement, you will not be able to see the surgery while it is happening.  A small speculum will  be used to keep your eyelid open;  therefore, you will not have to worry about keeping your eye open during the procedure.  The surgery itself takes about 10 minutes, and there are usually no stitches required.

After only a short stay in the outpatient recovery area, you will be ready to leave.  You must plan to have someone else drive you home.  In approximately 4 hours, you will be able to remove your eye patch and begin administering your prescribed eye drops as instructed.

Following surgery you will need to:

• Use the eye drops as prescribed
• Be careful not to rub or press on your eye 
• Use over-the-counter pain medicine, if necessary 
• Continue normal daily activities and moderate exercise 
• Wear eyeglasses or shields as advised by our staff 
• Return the next morning for a post-operative exam as scheduled