Cataract Surgery and Post Operative Medication

One of the most leading causes of blindness across the globe is cataracts. Cataract surgery is the most frequently performed surgeries in the US with over 3 million surgeries done each year. 

What are Cataracts? 

A cataract is a gradual yellowing and hazing of the lens inside your eye that typically presents in the 6th to 7th decade of life. However certain conditions such as diabetes or certain medications and steroid use can accelerate the formation of cataracts. 

What is Cataract surgery?

By a process known as phaco-emulsification the cataract is broken down and removed from the eye and in its place an implant called an intra-ocular lens (IOL) will be inserted to give you that crystal clear vision after the surgery. 

There is a typical cocktail of medication that is typically given after the procedure and it involves 3 medications that are taken for about a month. 

• NSAIDs (ex: Prolensa, Acular, Ilevro, Voltaren, Nevanac)
• Steroid (ex: Durezol, FML, Lotemax , Alrex, Durezol, Pred Forte)
• Antibiotic (ex: Vigamox, Besivance)

Proper administering of the medication is important in the general comfort of the eyes after the surgery as well as to  prevent any postoperative complications. 

Some surgical centers will have you start taking the antibiotic medication a week or so before the surgery so make sure you get the prescription filled in advance to account for shipping.