What is a cataract?

A cataract is a clouding of the lens in your eye that affects your vision. Cataracts are very common in older people. By age 80, more than half of all Americans either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery. People with diabetes are have a higher risk of developing cataracts. A cataract can occur in either or both eyes. It cannot spread from one eye to the other. Common symptoms are:

Blurry vision
Colors that seem faded
Glare – headlights, lamps or sunlight may seem too bright
Halo around lights
Not being able to see well at night
Double vision
Frequent prescription changes in your eyewear

Cataracts usually develop slowly. New glasses, brighter lighting, anti-glare sunglasses or magnifying lenses can help at first. Surgery is also an option. It involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial lens. Wearing sunglasses and a hat with a brim to block ultraviolet sunlight may help to delay cataracts.
Source: NIH: National Eye Institute

Surgery FAQs

Do I need to do any tests before my surgery?

If it is required by the surgeon or the policy of the Outpatient Surgery Center (OSC), you may be required to have PREOPERATIVE CLEARANCE at the Outpatient Assessment Center (OPAC) at 2050 Kenny Road, 2nd floor (this appointment will be made by the surgery coordinator). This may be done by your primary care physician, but the OSC prefers an OPAC assessment. It is your responsibility to schedule the appointment with your primary care physician within 30 days of the day of surgery. The sugery coordinator will fax orders to your primary care physician once a fax number is provided.

Preoperative testing varies by the type of surgery, but may include History & Physical, Labwork, EKG, etc.

In addition, you will receive a phone call from a nurse with the OSC 1 week to 1 day prior to your surgery to do an over the phone health assessment.
Do I need to take any additional medication?

Please take any eye drops prescribed as directed by your physician. Prescriptions may have been electronically sent, so please check with your pharmacy. These drops will also be used after the surgery. If you should run out of your drops, please check with your pharmacy for a refill. Any questions about your drops should be directed to the main number 614-293-8116, option 2, and leave a message for your surgeon's technician.
Will I need a driver?
How should I prepare for surgery?
It is important to follow these simple precautions before arriving:
- Do not eat or drink anything (including water, coffee, candy, gum or mints) after midnight before your surgery. This includes medicines taken by mouth, unless you are instructed to do so by your surgeon or anesthesiologist. You may brush your teeth, but do not swallow the water. It is important to have an empty stomach before your surgery.
- Do not smoke after 6 p.m. the night before your surgery.
- You may take a bath or shower the morning of your surgery.
- Wear casual loose-fitting clothing.
- Do not wear makeup, nail polish or hair pins.
- Please leave jewelry and other valuables at home.
- Bring a storage case for contact lenses or glasses, as they cannot be worn during surgery.
- Limit the number of people bring you to your appointment. Adult patients should be escorted by one adult.
- If you have a living will or durable power of attorney, please bring a copy of this document with you.
- Per hospital policy, please bring a photo ID, insurance card and copay.
What can I expect the day of surgery?

Before Surgery

You should arrive at least ten minutes prior to your surgery, or as directed by the surgeon’s office. Check in at the reception desk. The staff will complete your paperwork and ensure you are identified correctly for your procedure.

Your family members or support person will be able to watch the surgery if they so desire. It is important that your family members or support person stay in the facility during your surgical visit so we can find them if we need information or if a care team member needs to speak to him or her.

During Surgery

You will be taken back to the operating room from your private preparation area. The operating room staff will greet you and prepare you for surgery. We will ask you to confirm your identity and the procedure you are about to have. This is part of our patient safety practice to ensure you receive the appropriate treatment.

After Surgery

Once your surgery is complete, you will leave wearing clear eye shields to protect your eyes. The shields should remain on until the following morning. Expect about four hours of discomfort, and we recommend taking a nap during this time if possible. Patients are required to have a driver to get home safely. You will be scheduled to come back in for a post op visit with your doctor the following morning.

The only restrictions after LASIK are no eye makeup for two days, and to avoid swimming pools and hot tubs.

At Home

If you have any concerns during the evening, please contact your surgeon. If you have any emergency needs, please go to the closest emergency department. A nurse from the Outpatient Surgery Center will call you the next business day to check on how you are feeling.

Our first concern is your recovery and any medical issues you may have. It is important to us that we provided you exceptional care. We encourage you to ask questions or share concerns when we call you.

Cataract surgery

Why choose Ohio State for cataract surgery

What is a cataract?

Andrew Hendershot, MD, an ophthalmologist at Ohio State's Havener Eye Institute, explains exactly what a cataract is and when cataract surgery is appropriate.

Cataracts and cataract surgery, explained