Dropless Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is one of the most common and successful surgeries in the United States. More than four million Americans undergo cataract surgery every year and enjoy restored vision. One of the most common complaints about cataract surgery is the expensive antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops that patients must administer after surgery. The drops must be administered several times per day at strict intervals to prevent infection and reduce inflammation in the eye.
What if you were able to sidestep these eye drops altogether and still be assured of having a safe and effective procedure?
Dropless Cataract Surgery: Inventive, Convenient and Safe
Dropless cataract surgery is an exciting innovation in cataract surgery. Eliminating the post-operative eye drops that are required in traditional cataract surgery, dropless cataract surgery allows your eye surgeon to administer antibiotic and anti-inflammatory medication into the eye during surgery. The medication is utilized in the eye over the next several weeks, providing protection against swelling and infection.
Benefits of Dropless Cataract Surgery
Dropless cataract surgery:
- Eliminates the need for drops (although upwards of 20 percent of patients in one study still needed drops)
- Saves you between $150-$300 on prescription eye drops
- Has a low risk of infection and retinal swelling
- Makes the postoperative regimen simpler
Choosing dropless cataract surgery means that you will not have to be burdened by a detailed eye drop schedule, and your doctor will not have to worry about whether you have administered drops correctly.
What Happens During Dropless Cataract Surgery?
After the cataract has been removed and the intraocular lens is in place, your surgeon will inject a combination of antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drugs into the vitreous cavity. The medication is utilized throughout the post-operative recovery period, giving you protection just as if you were taking topical medications.
After the Procedure
You will enjoy clear, crisp vision soon after dropless cataract surgery, but the medication that is administered during surgery will generally cause your vision to be somewhat blurry for several days after the procedure.
What Are the Outcomes of Dropless Cataract Surgery?
Most patients respond extremely well to dropless cataract surgery. Most likely, you will not need drops after surgery, but it is possible you may need a prescription for anti-inflammatory eye drops if you develop more than average inflammation after surgery. Talk to your ophthalmologist to see if dropless cataract surgery is the best option for you.