Frequently Asked Questions About:
Cataract Surgery
Strabismus Surgery


Frequently Asked Questions about Cataract Surgery

Will I still need to wear glasses after cataract surgery?

We try to reduce your dependence on glasses and contact lenses after cataract surgery. We use computers to help calculate the power of your intraocular lens so that the glasses you wear after surgery will usually be thinner. Although many patients are able to function without glasses, most patients will find that they need glasses for near vision or distance vision, or both after cataract surgery.

Is cataract surgery painful?

Since cataract surgery is performed under local (or even eye drop) anesthesia, there is generally no pain whatsoever during the operation. Afterwards, most patients experience little or no discomfort.

What are the risks with cataract surgery?

As with any surgical procedure, cataract surgery involves risks, including, but not limited to, infection, swelling of the retina (cystoid macular edema), retinal detachment, injury to the cornea, and even blindness. Dr. Bishop goes to extraordinary lengths to minimize these risks, but this is why he does not operate on everyone with cataracts. The decision to have cataract surgery is always an individual one, and in each case, he weighs the risk/benefit ratio to determine if cataract surgery is appropriate for you. Despite these rare complications, cataract surgery is one of the most successful of all surgeries.

How soon will I be able to resume my normal activities after cataract surgery?

In most cases, patients are able to resume their normal activities within 48 hours after surgery. The combination of no-stitch surgery with foldable implants allows patients to recover their vision much more quickly than with older techniques. Eye drops are used to reduce the risks of infection and inflammation during the first weeks after surgery.

Is cataract surgery covered by insurance?

In nearly all cases, cataract surgery is covered by health insurance in the same manner as it would apply to surgery for any other disease. Our insurance staff can verify your coverage prior to the procedure.



Frequently Asked Questions about Strabismus Surgery

At what age can eyes be straightened with surgery?

Strabismus surgery can be performed at any age.

How is eye muscle surgery performed?

The surgery is performed under general anesthesia, usually on an outpatient basis. The procedure takes about twenty to thirty minutes for each muscle operated upon. Following the surgery eye bandages or patches are usually not required.

Will one or both eyes need surgery?

This depends upon the unique situation of each patient and will be determined by careful measurements of the ocular misalignment prior to surgery. In the vast majority of cases, both eyes are operated upon at the same time.

Will my eyes be straight after surgery?

Our goal is always to obtain an excellent ocular alignment. Individual patients, however, do vary in their response to surgery, resulting in an 80% to 90% success rate in achieving satisfactory alignment after one operation.

Is the surgery painful?

Pain following the procedure is generally mild, similar to that experienced with a pulled or strained muscle. In nearly all cases over-the-counter pain medication is all that is required to control any discomfort.

Is strabismus surgery covered by insurance?

In nearly all cases, strabismus surgery is covered by health insurance in the same manner as it would apply to surgery for any other disease. Our insurance staff can verify your coverage prior to the procedure.