In this episode of From the Drs Desk, Dr. Wyche Coleman III and Dr. Christopher Shelby walk through the cataract surgery recovery process, from the first blurry hours after surgery to the weeks it can take for your vision to fully stabilize. They discuss common experiences including hazy vision, dryness, scratchiness, halos, flickering or flashes of light, and changes in peripheral vision.

Dr. Christopher Shelby also shares his firsthand experience as a cataract surgery patient, offering a unique perspective on what recovery actually feels like.

Plus, learn about post-operative eye drops, warning signs that should prompt a call to your doctor, why recovery can vary from patient to patient, and why some people experience a “secondary cataract” weeks or months after surgery.

If you’re preparing for cataract surgery or helping someone through recovery, this episode can help you better understand what’s normal, what takes time, and when it’s important to check in with your eye doctor.

Cataract surgery can sound intimidating, especially when you don’t know what to expect. In this episode of From the Doctor’s Desk, cataract surgeons Dr. Christopher Shelby and Dr. Wyche Coleman III walk through the entire cataract surgery experience—from preparing the night before to arriving for surgery, sedation, the procedure itself, and heading home afterward.

Dr. Shelby also shares his unique perspective as a cataract surgeon who has undergone the procedure himself, describing what he saw and felt during surgery and how the experience compared to what he tells his own patients. The doctors discuss common concerns about pain, keeping your eyes open, anesthesia, medications, blood thinners, fasting before surgery, and the technology used to make modern cataract procedures more precise and comfortable.

If you or someone you know is preparing for cataract surgery, this episode offers a reassuring look at what really happens on surgery day and answers many of the questions patients have before their procedure.

In this episode, cataract surgeons Dr. Chris Shelby and Dr. White Coleman break down how to choose the right intraocular lens for cataract surgery based on personalized pre-operative testing and visual goals. They discuss options ranging from standard and multifocal lenses to specialized technologies like light-adjustable lenses and small-aperture implants for complex eyes. 

What happens after you’re told you have cataracts? In this episode of From the Doctor’s Desk, cataract surgeons Dr. Shelby and Dr. Coleman III explain what patients can expect before cataract surgery, from detailed eye testing and measurements to choosing the right replacement lens. They also break down the different lens options available and how factors like eye health, lifestyle and vision goals can help determine the best choice for each patient.