a close up of a person's eye with a bottle of eye drops.

Less Drops Cataract Surgery

Reviewed by: Leslie Forehand

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, more than half of all Americans will develop cataracts by age 80. A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye, which can cause one’s vision to become blurry and distorted, leaving colors dull and daily activities difficult. Fortunately, new advancements and technology have made cataract surgery one of the most effective and life-improving surgical procedures performed.

When it comes to the cataract removal process, there are many steps to go through and choices to consider. But did you know that eye drops for cataract surgery don’t have to be one of them? It’s true! With dropless cataract surgery, patients can greatly reduce the number of drops required for cataract surgery, saving them both time and money. Dropless cataract surgery represents an innovative method of administering antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medicine directly into the eye during surgery. In the weeks following surgery, the medication is slowly absorbed over time so that you can heal and enjoy better, cataract-free vision without having to worry about numerous cataract surgery drops.

Less drops cataract surgery

What is Dropless Cataract Surgery?

Dropless cataract surgery is a groundbreaking approach that eliminates the need for post-operative eye drops by incorporating essential medications directly into the eye at the time of surgery. This method has revolutionized the traditional approach, making the recovery process smoother and more convenient for patients.

Benefits of Dropless Cataract Surgery

Advantages of dropless cataract surgery include:

  • Safe and effective cataract removal and care
  • Reduction in the number of prescription eye drops for 95% of patients
  • Cost-effective; patients who choose dropless cataract surgery save money on eye drops, which can cost upwards of $300 depending on insurance
  • Hassle-free aftercare; eliminates the need to keep a complicated log of post-operative drops after cataract surgery
  • Reduces the risk of retinal swelling or infection when compared to patient-administered cataract surgery drops

How Does Dropless Cataract Surgery Work?

The procedure involves injecting a combination of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications directly into the eye during the surgery. This ensures that the eye receives the necessary treatment without additional drops for cataract surgery. Over time, these medications are gradually absorbed, providing sustained therapeutic effects without the daily hassle of using numerous drops after cataract surgery.

Who Should Consider Dropless Cataract Surgery?

If you find the idea of managing multiple drops for cataract surgery overwhelming or if you have had issues with compliance in the past, dropless cataract surgery might be the ideal solution. This method simplifies the post-operative regimen and enhances patient comfort and satisfaction.

Schedule Your Consultation

Think dropless cataract surgery might be the right option for you? Schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Kelly at the Kelly Eye Center today! Dr. Kelly was the first surgeon to offer the dropless cataract surgery option in North Carolina and, having performed over 50,000 eye surgery procedures, he is a leading physician in the greater Triangle area.

In summary, dropless cataract surgery offers a modern solution to the age-old problem of managing multiple drops after cataract surgery. This innovative approach ensures a smoother recovery process by eliminating the need for numerous cataract surgery drops, allowing patients to focus on enjoying their newly improved vision.