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What are Cataracts?

Cataracts are caused by a clouding of the lens inside the eye, leading to glare loss of vision.  At Eye Consultants, our surgeons have performed thousands of successful cataract surgeries and are committed to providing you with the best visual outcome.

  • About half of Americans over the age of 75 have cataracts. 
  • Cataract surgery is one of the most common procedures performed in the United States. 
  • It is an outpatient surgery that can be done with little or no anesthesia and does not require an overnight stay in the hospital or a long recovery time. 
  • After careful measurements performed in our office, an Intraocular Lens (IOL) is inserted into the eye at the time of surgery. 
  • Cataract surgery improves vision and can reduce or eliminate dependence on glasses and contact lenses.

What Causes Cataracts?

Most cataracts are the result of the normal aging process of the eye. However trauma, conditions like glaucoma and diabetes and the use of steroids can accelerate the formation of cataracts.

How Do I Know If I Have a Cataract?

When cataracts are mild, many patients are not even aware that the lens inside their eye has changed.

With time, the lens changes can cause the following symptoms:
  • Faded or washed out colors
  • Decreased night vision
  • Glare and halos around lights, especially at night
  • Sunlight or headlights seem too bright
  • Frequent glasses changes
  • Blurred vision

What Is The Treatment For Cataracts?

Surgery is the only way to remove a cataract.  Initially some patients may notice improved vision with a change to their glasses prescription.  When the loss of vision interferes with your daily life, the best solution is to have an evaluation that includes a dilated exam.  This will allow your doctor can assess if you are ready for cataract surgery.

What Is Cataract Surgery?

During cataract surgery your cloudy lens inside the eye is removed and replaced with a prosthetic lens tailored to fit your particular needs.

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Preparing for Cataract Surgery in Wilmington, DE

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Preparing for Cataract Surgery in Wilmington, DE

What to Expect

When preparing for cataracts surgery, there are a couple of important things that you should know:

  • Cataracts surgery is a short procedure and is performed in our outpatient surgery centers.
  • Most patients choose to receive mild Intravenous sedation.
  • After the procedure, you will go home wearing a clear eye shield with instructions on how to use eye drops to help the eye heal.
  • There is very little pain, and most patients are able to resume normal activities later the following day.

What Lens Is Right for Me?

There is not a “one size fits all” lens for each person. Each patient comes with different desires and needs based on their lifestyle. Some lenses may be better than others if people have other eye conditions such as glaucoma or retinal diseases. At Eye Consultants, we are dedicated to finding the best lens option for you.

What are Premium Lenses?

At Eye Consultants, our team of physicians, doctors and technicians are committed to helping all patients choose the Intraocular Lens that is right for them.  Detailed diagnostic testing and a comprehensive ocular evaluation are performed on all patients who are considering cataract surgery.

Many patients choose to have a Multifocal Lens implanted in their eye. This type of lens would enable you to have allows you to have a wider range of vision from distance to near for those who want less reliance on glasses after surgery.

Schedule A Consultation

Have you noticed a change in your vision? Or perhaps you’ve already been diagnosed with cataracts and are looking for surgical options? Allow our team at Eye Consultants to help you achieve the crystal-clear vision you deserve. Call our Wilmington, DE office at 302-581-8087 or complete our online contact form to schedule a consultation today. We are proud to serve the Wilmington, Dover, Middletown, Newark, Smyrna, and Townsend, DE communities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a cataract be removed too early?

Cataracts can be removed at any point in their development; there is no wrong time to remove one. However, insurance may only cover cataract surgery once it’s affecting your vision.

At what stage should cataracts be removed?

Cataract removal surgery can happen at any stage. As soon as cataracts affect your vision and your everyday life, it’s typically the perfect time to schedule a complete eye exam with the doctors at Eye Consultants. Cataract surgery may be the best way to restore your vision.

What kind of sedation is used for cataract surgery?

At Eye Consultants, we use mild IV sedation during cataract surgery. This type of anesthesia ensures you’re completely comfortable throughout the procedure. With IV sedation, you are awake but in a drowsy and relaxed state. Our surgeons are also comfortable performing the surgery under only local sedation. In this case, patients can drive themselves to and from the procedure and can avoid having to fast overnight.

What should I avoid after cataract surgery?

There are a few different precautions that you’ll need to take following your cataract surgery. You’ll want to avoid rubbing your eyes, strenuous exercise, and any activities that involve bending over. We also recommend avoiding swimming for 4-6 weeks, wearing makeup, and getting soap and/or shampoo in your eyes.

How long does it take to recover from cataract surgery?

With cataract surgery at Eye Consultants, most patients can return to their normal activities the day after surgery. That said, it can take about four weeks before patients are fully healed from the procedure.

What is the success rate of cataract surgery?

The success rate of cataract surgery is very high. The surgery is successful 97% of the time. At Eye Consultants, Dr. Dealy and her team specialize in cataract surgery and have performed thousands over the years, so you can count on our team to give you the vision you’re looking for.

Can you have cataract surgery in one eye only?

Absolutely. Cataract surgery is done on only one eye all the time. When one eye is healthy, there is no reason to have surgery on that eye.

What is the average age for cataract surgery?

The average age for cataract surgery in the US is around 72. That said, patients can come to us for surgery at any age.

How can I prepare for cataract surgery?

Before cataract surgery, you’ll want to prepare by getting enough rest, eating a healthy diet, and arranging for a friend or family member to drive you to and from surgery. We also recommend that you avoid alcohol and smoking, wear comfortable clothes, and avoid wearing any makeup to your appointment.

Are you awake during cataract surgery?

Yes, most patients are awake during cataract surgery, although there are circumstances when we do put patients to sleep. We use mild IV sedation so you will be awake but in a sleepy and relaxed state.

Dr. Sean Considine

Dr. Sean Considine

Comprehensive Ophthalmologist

Dr. Sean Considine is a board eligible ophthalmologist who specializes in the inner structures of the eye, eye surgery, glaucoma, and retinal diseases.  Throughout his education, Dr. Considine’s research has been published in a number of peer-reviewed research journals. He even has published a book of poetry. In addition to being an ophthalmologist, Dr. Considine… Continue reading Dr. Sean Considine

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Your health is our top priority and we look forward to assisting you in your eyecare journey. Please call the office at (302) 998-2333 or fill out our contact form to schedule your appointment.

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Comprehensive Services

From routine eye checks to glaucoma treatment to cataract surgery, our team at Eye Consultants provides a full range of eye care services to ensure each and every patient who walks through our doors receives the top-quality care they deserve.

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Keeping up with your regular eye checkups is important to maintaining healthy eyes and catching any concerns before they turn into issues. Our comprehensive services allow us to monitor your eye health and provide guidance for treatments and maintenance.

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Contact Lenses

Contact Lenses

Properly fitting contact lenses are vital to not only your vision but also your eye health. We’ll help you determine if contact lenses are right for you and ensure your lenses fit so comfortably that you’ll forget they’re there.

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Eyewear

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