Cataract Surgery at Eye Centers of Tennessee

What to expect from an examination for surgery

Dr. Patterson will personally perform a dilated eye examination even if you have already been evaluated by your optometrist. To start your visit, a technician will record your full medical history and perform a variety of measurements to determine your best corrected vision. Dr. Patterson will perform the actual physical examination of your eyes to detect eye disease or conditions that may affect your surgery or your eyesight after surgery. After determinging the need for surgery, Dr. Patterson will discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure with you.

Determining the correct intraocular lens (IOL) power

New technology available in state-of-the-art equipment predictably measures your eyes, drastically reducing the margin of error. Measurements for lens implants used in cataract surgery are much different than for glasses. For cataract surgery, a variety of very specific and precise measurements of your eye have to be performed so Dr. Patterson can calculate which implant power is best suited for your eye.

Where is the surgery performed?

You do not have to go to the hospital for this procedure. Cataract surgery performed in a surgery center is far less expensive, much more convenient, and statistically safer than in a hospital. The Cataract and Laser Center is located on the lower level of Eye Centers of Tennessee in Crossville. This facility is the area's only comprehensive outpatient surgical center completely dedicated to eye surgery. The Cataract and Laser Center also offers a private viewing room next to the operating room if you would like your friends or family to watch your surgery.

What to expect the day of surgery

You will be asked to use eye drops at home both before and after surgery. You do not have to change clothes. The anesthetist will review your medical history as well as monitor your vital signs before, during and after the procedure. We usually give oral sedation to help you relax. An IV is not routinely required, but can be started anytime if needed or desired. Your eye will be dilated and numbed with eye drops. In the operating room, an instrument will comfortably hold your eyelids open during the surgery. You will not feel the need to blink because your eye will be numb. The procedure generally takes less than 10 minutes and your total stay will be about 2 hours.

Usually the eye is not patched. Most patients leave about 15 minutes after the surgery, but you may feel some effects of the sedation for several hours. Patients often go out to eat on the way home. It is normal for the vision to be blurry the evening of surgery. Your eye may also be a little scratchy or watery. We ask that you take it easy the evening after surgery, but you may do activities such as reading or watching TV as long as no discomfort is noticed. Most patients return to their normal activities the very next day.