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Cataract

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What is a Cataract?

Within our eyes, we have a natural clear lens that helps us see. When this lens becomes yellow and cloudy, it is known as a cataract. Cataracts occur for many reasons, such as from aging, increased ultraviolet (UV) exposure, genetic predisposition, medication-induced, etc.

Common symptoms of cataracts

Cataract Vision Simulator

Simulated Vision with Halos
Simulated Yellow Vision
Simulated Double Vision

Do you have cataracts and what can be done about it?

An ophthalmologist or an optometrist will know whether or not you have cataracts after examining your eyes. They will grade your cataracts and help you decide whether they are visually significant and require surgical removal. Everyone’s cataracts progress at different rates. If you have been diagnosed with early cataracts, then it is a good idea to have annual eye exams so that your doctor can monitor the progression of your cataracts.

If left untreated, cataracts will worsen over time and may lead to permanent vision loss or even blindness. It is important to see your eye doctor regularly in order to detect cataracts as early as possible and to plan an effective treatment method.

Ready for Your Cataract Consultation?

Here’s what to expect

Your journey to cataract surgery starts with a cataract consultation. We will walk you through your journey step by step. During you consultation, you will meet with our team of doctors and surgical counsellors. We will perform several safe tests on your eyes using our state-of-the-art technology. These tests and measurements will give your surgeon a better understanding of your eyes, such as whether or not you have corneal astigmatism, which can be different from the astigmatism found in your glasses or contact lenses.

In addition to testing, the surgeon will also perform a comprehensive, dilated eye examination on you to evaluate the severity of your cataracts and to assess whether you have any other underlying eye conditions that could also limit your vision. With both this detailed examination of your eyes and the testing done, the surgeon can better evaluate whether there are any particular risks to your eyes with cataract surgery.

Finally, at this visit you will be asked several lifestyle questions, such as do you drive a car, what are your hobbies, do you like wearing glasses, what are your expectations after surgery, etc. With all of this information, your surgeon will get a more complete understanding of your eyes and demands, and will allow him or her to recommend the best cataract surgery option for you in the form of a custom vision plan.

Cataract Brochure
Cataract Lifestyle Questionnaire
Custom Cataract Packages

Before your surgery our Cataract Surgical Team and Counsellors will review over your medical history and any additional diagnostic tests that are recommended. You will also be provided with a post-operative care kit.
Please schedule an appointment with your doctor at least three weeks before your surgery to complete any necessary forms.

Please begin using your prescribed eye drops two days before your surgery.
Do not eat after midnight and only consume clear fluids up to three hours before your surgery.

You must arrange to have an escort or driver to accompany you home as you should not drive immediately after surgery.

Please do not wear any eye make up, contact lenses, or lash extensions to surgery.

For more Information on Pre-Operative Instructions

Upon arriving at the centre, you will receive eye drops to dilate your pupils. A nurse will then go over aftercare instructions along with the contents of the post-operative care kit. You’ll be given eye drops for local anaesthetic in addition to IV sedation.

The surgery typically takes 10 to 15 minutes. It is a quick and minimally invasive procedure that involves numbing the eyes, then making a tiny incision into the cornea, in which an ultrasonic probe is inserted. The probe emulsifies (breaks up) the cloudy lens into tiny pieces, and then suctions the pieces out of the eye. Once the cloudy lens has been removed, a new artificial lens is implanted into the eye. After the surgery, you will have the opportunity to rest prior to your escort accompanying you home.

For more Information on Surgery Options

Post-surgery, your eye may feel blurry, light-sensitive, tender, sandy, or itchy for several hours to days. You can take Tylenol or Advil for discomfort. Vision may clear slowly or be sharp within a day, varying per individual and eye. A follow-up visit with our doctor will occur within a week. Please eat as usual after surgery, but avoid alcohol for 24 hours. Please wear the provided plastic shield while sleeping for the first three days. Use lubricating drops if needed and avoid pressure or rubbing your eye for two weeks. Clean any residue gently and avoid makeup for two weeks. You may bathe anytime, but shower from the neck down for the first three days. Resume light activities immediately, but avoid strenuous or dirty activities for two weeks.

Car travel is fine anytime; please wait two weeks for air travel. Avoid driving for 1-2 days or until your vision clears. Return to desk jobs in 3-5 days; take 1-2 weeks off for heavy lifting or dusty environments. Please wear sunglasses outdoors for a week. Use over-the-counter readers until you see your optometrist a month after surgery for a new prescription.

For more Information on Post-operative Instructions
 

Cataract Surgery Testimonial

 

Cataract Surgery Locations

Cataract Surgery can be performed at the following locations:

Cataract Patient Instructions

North Toronto Eye Care Cataract Brochure
Cataract Lifestyle Questionnaire
Custom Cataract Packages
Pre-operative Instructions
Post-operative Instructions
North York General Hospital Admission Instructions
Kensington Eye Institute Admission Instructions

Cataract Doctors

Theodore Rabinovitch, MD, FRCSC
Theodore Rabinovitch, MD, FRCSC
Tiiu Hess, MD, FRCSC
Tiiu Hess, MD, FRCSC
Tom Klein, MD, FRCSC
Tom Klein, MD, FRCSC
Tran D. Le, MD, FRCSC
Tran D. Le, MD, FRCSC
Farah Moti, MD, FRCSC
Farah Moti, MD, FRCSC
Yelin Yang, MD
Yelin Yang, MD
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