Valley Laser Eye Centre Logo in White
Book a Consultation

Everything You Should Know before Getting Cataract Surgery

If your vision gets cloudy because you have a cataract, your doctor may suggest surgery to remove the lens of your eye and replace it with an artificial one. It’s a common and safe procedure, and when it’s done, you’ll be able to see better. 

Cataracts usually develop slowly and can affect one or both eyes. In most cases, cataracts can be treated with surgery. Surgery is safe and effective, and it can help improve your vision.

Here is everything you should know before getting cataract surgery. 

Should You Get Cataract Surgery? 

A cataract is a condition that affects your vision, and it can cause your vision to become cloudy or blurry. If you have a cataract, you may not need surgery to fix it. You might be able to improve your vision by wearing prescription glasses, using a magnifying lens, or relying on brighter lighting.

As cataracts get worse, they can cause more symptoms. Your vision may be blurry or dim. You may also see double when you look through the eye with the cataract. These problems can make it hard to read, work on a computer, and do anything else that requires clear eyesight.

What to Prepare before Cataract Surgery?

It is common for people to experience some anxiety before surgery. However, it is important to remember that this is a routine procedure that is performed every day. The staff at the hospital or surgery center will be very familiar with the process and will do everything they can to make you comfortable.

You will be given a sedative to help you relax before the surgery begins. Once you are asleep, the surgeon will make a small incision in your eye and then insert the artificial lens.

How Does Cataract Surgery Work? 

During the procedure, your doctor will make a small cut in your eye to remove the cataract. They will then place an artificial lens in your eye. The surgery to remove a cataract is usually quick, taking less than an hour. The surgeon will make a small cut in the front of the eye, using a laser. They will then insert a small tool to break up the cataract and gently suction it out.

After the cataract has been removed, the surgeon will insert a new lens made of plastic, silicone, or acrylic. The incision will then be closed.

After the procedure, you will not be able to drive yourself home. Make sure you have someone to pick you up and take you home.

Side Effects of Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery is considered to be a very safe procedure, but like all surgeries, there are some risks involved. These risks include:

  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Swelling
  • Temporary rise in eye pressure (12-24 hours after surgery)
  • Retinal detachment
  • Drooping eyelid

Conclusion

Cataract surgery is a very common and safe procedure that can help improve your vision. If you are considering surgery, be sure to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.

If you have cataracts and wish to undergo surgery,  Valley Laser Eye Centre has you covered. We offer cataract surgery in Abbotsford to improve your eye health. Get in touch with us today to learn more.

Share:

Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
LinkedIn

Related Posts

optometrist examining a patients eye

Why Cheap Vision Correction Can Cost More in the Long Run

When people begin exploring vision correction, one of the first questions they ask is often about price. Online advertisements for discounted laser eye surgery, limited-time promotions, or “all-inclusive” low-cost packages can seem appealing, especially for those who have worn glasses or contact lenses for years and want a fast solution.

At Valley Laser Eye Centre, we understand that cost matters. Vision correction is both a medical decision and a financial one. However, when price becomes the primary deciding factor, patients can unknowingly expose themselves to higher long-term costs, greater risk, and lasting vision compromises.

car light halos at night

Can Vision Correction Reduce Night Glare and Halos?

Night glare and halos around lights are among the most common visual complaints we hear from patients considering vision correction at Valley Laser Eye Centre. For some, the issue is mild but annoying. For others, it becomes a real safety concern that affects night driving, commuting, or confidence in low-light environments.

Headlights may appear blinding. Streetlights may look surrounded by glowing rings. Contrast feels reduced, especially on wet roads or in poorly lit areas. Many patients describe feeling tense or fatigued behind the wheel at night, even if their daytime vision seems perfectly acceptable.

a woman putting in a contact lens

The Long-Term Benefits of Switching from Contact Lenses to Laser Vision Correction

For many adults, contact lenses seem like the perfect compromise between glasses and surgical vision correction. They provide clear vision, don’t alter your appearance, and offer flexibility throughout the day. Yet long-term contact lens wear can gradually become inconvenient or uncomfortable. Many people begin to notice dryness, irritation, and increasing maintenance demands. Others want a more permanent solution that simplifies their lifestyle and supports long-term eye health.