What to Expect During Cataract Surgery in Bluffton, SC

What to Expect During Cataract Surgery in Bluffton, South Carolina

If you’ve been told you have cataracts, or you’re starting to notice that your vision isn’t as

sharp as it used to be — maybe things look a little hazy, colors seem dull, or those

headlights at night are really giving you trouble — you’re not alone. Cataract surgery is one

of the most commonly performed surgeries in the entire country, and I’m fortunate to help

patients right here in the Bluffton, Hilton Head, and Beaufort areas see clearly again every

single week.

Still, I understand that any surgery — especially on your eyes — can feel intimidating. So I

want to walk you through exactly what you can expect before, during, and after cataract

surgery in my office. My goal is that by the time you finish reading this, you’ll feel a whole lot

more comfortable about the process.

First, Let’s Talk About What a Cataract Actually Is

I like to explain it this way: there are two main parts of your eye that focus the outside world

onto the back of your eye (the retina). Think of the retina like the film of a camera. The first

part is the cornea — that’s like the front windshield of the eye. The second part is the

natural lens inside your eye, and that lens is about the size and shape of an M&M candy.

When you were born, that “M&M” was crystal clear. It’s also what changed shape to help

you shift focus from far away to up close. Over time, as we’re blessed to have birthdays,

that “chocolate center” of the M&M starts to stiffen up. It can’t change shape as well

anymore, and that’s when you start holding the menu a little farther away or reaching for

reading glasses. Eventually, that chocolate center doesn’t just get stiff — it gets cloudy. And

that cloudiness is what we call a cataract.

Before Your Surgery: What to Expect at Your Evaluation

Before we ever talk about surgery, my team and I are going to do extensive testing on your

eyes. This is something I’m very particular about. I want to make sure that any options we

consider are safe for you, have a good chance of getting you to the vision you want, and can

be expected to last a long time. Those are my three criteria for everything we do.

During your cataract evaluation, we’ll measure the shape and health of your cornea, the size

and density of your cataract, and take precise measurements of your eye to determine the

best lens implant for you. We’ll also check for other conditions, including retinal pathology, glaucoma, or

dry eye disease that could affect your surgery and your results.

Once we have all of that information, I’ll sit down with you and go over your options. I’ll

explain the pros and cons of each one — because while there is phenomenal technology

available today, none of it is perfect, and I want you to be empowered to make the best

decision for yourself.

Your Lens Options

One of the most exciting parts of modern cataract surgery is that we’re not just removing a

cloudy lens — we’re replacing it with a new one that can actually improve your vision. Here’s

a quick overview of the lens options I offer:

Traditional (Monofocal) Lens — This lens focuses at one distance, typically far away. This is

the option people refer to when they say “I want what is covered by insurance.” It is the traditional

method with a blade to take care of the cataract and it does not do anything to minimize

astigmatism so it leaves both the distance and near out of focus. This means that it leaves us

dependent on glasses for both distance and near vision

Custom Lens — This option utilizes the most advanced technology to get good distance vision.

Instead of the older method of a blade, we use a laser to take care of your cataract and also

to minimize your astigmatism. By minimizing the astigmatism, it pulls the distance vision into focus.

You’d still need reading glasses for up-close work.

Multifocal or Extended Depth of Vision Lenses (like the PanOptix or Odyssey) — These

are some of the most advanced lenses available today. They’re designed to give you a full

range of vision — distance, intermediate (like your computer screen), and near — so you can

significantly reduce or even eliminate your dependence on glasses. These lenses can also

correct astigmatism.

Light Adjustable Lenses (LAL) — The newest lens technology with a goal to get the distance

vision as sharp as possible. With this lens, we let the eyes heal up after cataract surgery

(usually 3 weeks) and then in the office, we can adjust the strength of the lens to fine tune the distance

vision. If both eyes are set for distance, we will still need glasses for reading up close.

Not every lens is right for every patient. That’s why the testing we do beforehand is so

important. I’ll only recommend options that are safe and appropriate for your specific eyes.

The Day of Surgery: What Happens

Here’s the part most people are nervous about, so let me put you at ease. Cataract surgery

is an outpatient procedure — you come in, have your surgery, and go home the same day.

The actual procedure itself typically takes less than 7-8 minutes per eye.

When you arrive, my team will get you checked in and comfortable. We’ll place drops in your

eye to dilate the pupil and numb the eye. You’ll also receive light sedation to help you relax

— you’ll be awake, but calm and comfortable.

Here’s what happens during the procedure itself:

I create a very small incision in the cornea. For my patients who choose laser-assisted

cataract surgery, I use one of the most advanced femtosecond lasers on the market.

The femtosecond laser maps out your cornea, iris, and cataract to create a 3D

model of your lens and tailor the treatment specifically for your eye. It creates the incisions,

softens the cloudy center of the lens, and helps reduce astigmatism — all without a blade.

Next, I use a tiny ultrasound instrument to gently remove the cloudy cataract.

This process is called phacoemulsification.

After cleaning out the “cloudy chocolate center part of the m&m”,” i then insert a new lens and it gently

unfolds into position inside your eye. It has small “arms” that hold it securely in place.

That’s it. No stitches. No patch. Light can now travel clearly to the back of your eye, and

your brain starts receiving a much sharper image.

After Surgery: Recovery and Results

Most of my patients are genuinely surprised by how quick and easy the recovery is. Many

notice a significant improvement in their vision by the very next day.

Here’s what to expect in the days and weeks following surgery:

The first 24 hours — You’ll want to take it easy. Your eye may feel slightly scratchy or

watery, which is completely normal. We’ll provide you with a protective shield to wear while

sleeping for the first week or so.

Eye drops — After surgery, we typically use three different medications: an antibiotic to

prevent infection, a mild steroid to help with healing, and a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory

to prevent swelling in the retina. I do offer Dropless cataract surgery for some patients,

where these medications are placed inside the eye during the procedure itself. I discuss the

risks and benefits of that option with every patient so they can make the best choice for

them.

The first week — Most patients are back to their normal routine within a day or two. I’ll see

you the day after surgery to check on everything, and you’ll have a few follow-up visits over

the next several weeks.

Full healing — While your vision often improves dramatically in the first few days, it can

continue to sharpen and stabilize over the next four to six weeks as your eye fully heals.

Why Bluffton for Your Cataract Surgery?

I chose to build my practice and my surgery center right here in the Lowcountry because

this is home. My wife Marsha was born and raised on Hilton Head Island, and we’re raising

our family here. This community means everything to us.

When you come to see me, I’m going to treat you the way I’d want my own family treated.

I’m going to take the time to answer every question, explain every option, and make sure

you feel confident and comfortable before we ever step into the operating room. My staff

feels the same way — we’re a team that genuinely cares about every patient who walks

through our doors.

If you’re experiencing changes in your vision and wondering whether it might be cataracts,

I’d love to see you for an evaluation. Give us a call at 843-521-2020 or visit our website to

schedule your appointment. We see patients at our Bluffton/Okatie office at 10 William Pope

Drive and our Lady’s Island office at 33 Kemmerlin Lane.

Your clearest vision may be just one visit away. I look forward to taking care of you.

— Drew Hunter, M.D. Board Certified Ophthalmologist Bluffton | Hilton Head | Beaufort, SC