Cataract Surgery

Optimal eye health is essential to your everyday living. It allows you to see clearly and enjoy everything in its entirety…But what happens when your ability to see, isn’t always clear? Cataracts are a common, age-related clouding of the clear lens that focuses the light in our eye. This can begin happening after the age of 40, with certain diseases like diabetes, and with the use of certain medications such as steroid injections or pills or chemotherapy.

With cataracts, your vision may:

Be blurry/hazy
Seem to be out of focus or “double”
Be less colorful
Be impaired at night
Be light sensitive
Create halos around lights

While cataracts are not dangerous or threatening, they can be a real inconvenience in your day to day tasks such as reading, driving, or watching tv. They tend to start small and evolve into larger vision obstructions over time. The risk of getting cataracts increases with age, but that doesn’t mean that younger people can’t be affected.

Initial treatment for cataracts usually begins conservatively using eyeglasses or simply turning on brighter lights. But as cataracts progress, they may require vision restoration surgery.

What Can I expect With Cataract Surgery?

Cataract removal surgery at South Shore Eye Care is performed at the Garden City Surgery Center. This same day operation takes 15 minutes or less and is performed in a state of art center equipped with a Femtosecond Laser.

During surgery, your cloudy natural lens is removed and replaced with a clear artificial lens. That lens is called an intraocular lens (IOL). Your surgeon will measure your eye to determine the proper focusing power for your IOL.

Oftentimes patients, just simply by having cataract surgery reduce or eliminate their need for glasses. At South Shore Eye Care, our Board certified surgeons offer the latest technology in IOL lenses including those that remove astigmatism, as well as that the can “Extend Depth of Focus” – allowing patients to see not only at distance, but also things at arm’s length like the dashboard in their car or a computer on a desk.

Pre-Op Expectations

You will come in for a measurement with the cataract surgeon at South Shore Eye Care that will look at the shape and health of the eye. Our surgeons will then discuss with you what the best option is for your needs.
You may be prescribed eye-drops to start before and to continue after surgery. These medicines help prevent infection and reduce swelling during and after surgery.
Patients are asked to go for medical and/or cardiac clearance within 30 days of the procedures
Certain medications such as blood pressure medicines should be continued – however, if taking the day of surgery, should only be taken with a small sip of water
Blood thinners are handled on a case-by-case basis. Some patients will be told to hold their medications; however, others may need to remain on them. The ultimate decision is made by the cardiologist or internist.

Day of Expectations

Your ophthalmologist may ask you not to eat any solid food at least 6 hours before your surgery.
Your eye will be numbed using eye drops around the eye. You will also be given a medicine to help you relax through an IV placed by an anesthesiologist

The Surgery

Your surgeon will remove the cataract, oftentimes using a Femtosecond laser first to help optimize the shape of the eye and to soften the lens. The laser portion takes 30 seconds or so. Then the cataract is removed in the main operating room within 15 minutes.
The incisions made are 0.5 mm and 2-3 mm, so are self-sealing or “sutureless”
Once the surgery is finished, antibiotic drops and a clear shield will be placed over your eye to protect it while you heal.
You will rest in a recovery area for about 15–30 minutes prior to being discharged.

Post-Op Expectations

You will be asked to put a combination eye drop in your eye 4 times a day for 2 weeks then 2 times a day for 2 weeks
Avoid getting soap or water directly in the eye.
Do not rub or press on your eye. Your doctor may ask you to wear eyeglasses or a shield to protect your eye.
You will need to wear a protective eye shield when you sleep for 3-7 days
Your ophthalmologist will talk with you about how active you can be after surgery. They will let you know when you can safely exercise, drive or do other activities again.

Think you may be a candidate for cataract surgery? Contact our office and request an appointment at one of our locations. Call 516-785-3900 (Wantagh office) or 516-541-4141 (Massapequa office) to schedule an appointment. Our ophthalmologists will talk with you about the risks and benefits of cataract surgery.

Source: American Academy of Ophthalmology

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Nutrition & Vision: Foods That Actually Help Eye Health

By Bob Berendsen • July 1, 2026

What you eat doesn’t just affect your energy or heart health. It also plays a major role in how well your eyes function over time. While periodic eye exams are important for protecting your vision, a healthy diet can support long-term eye health and may minimize the chances of certain vision problems as you age. At your eye care provider, we often remind patients that healthy vision starts from the inside out. How Nutrition Impacts Eye Health Your vision depends on a steady supply of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to stay healthy. Poor nutrition can contribute to issues such as dry eyes, night vision difficulties, and a higher risk of conditions such as cataracts or age-related macular degeneration (AMD). A balanced diet may help protect delicate eye tissues from oxidative stress- and inflammation-induced damage. Key nutrients like vitamins A, C, and E, along with omega-3 fatty acids and zinc, all play important roles in preserving clear, comfortable vision. Best Foods for Healthy Vision Leafy Green Vegetables Spinach, kale, and collard greens are loaded with lutein and zeaxanthin—two powerful antioxidants that help filter harmful blue light and protect the retina. Benefits include: Reduced risk of macular degeneration Better protection against light damage Long-term retinal health support Carrots and Orange Vegetables Carrots, sweet potatoes, and pumpkins contain high amounts of beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. This nutrient is essential for good night vision and comprehensive eye function. They help support: Clear low-light vision Healthy corneas Reduced risk of dry eyes Fatty Fish Salmon, tuna, mackerel, and sardines are fantastic sources of omega-3 fatty acids. These healthy fats support the oil layer of your tears and help prevent dry eye symptoms. They may help with: Eye moisture and comfort Reduced inflammation Retinal health support Citrus Fruits and Berries Oranges, grapefruits, strawberries, and blueberries have high counts of vitamin C and antioxidants. These nutrients shield the eyes from oxidative stress and may slow age-related damage. Benefits include: Stronger blood vessels in the eyes Lower risk of cataracts Overall antioxidant protection Nuts and Seeds Almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds provide vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids that help protect eye cells from damage. They support: Long-term eye cell health Reduced inflammation Protection from age-related vision changes Foods That Promote Long-Term Vision Care No single food can guarantee perfect vision, but a consistent, well-rounded diet rich in eye-friendly nutrients can create a meaningful difference. Combining healthy eating with protective measures like UV-blocking sunglasses and regular eye exams provides the best defense for your vision. When Diet Isn’t Enough Even with a healthy diet, vision changes can still occur due to age, genetics, or underlying eye conditions. If you notice blurry vision, increased dryness, difficulty seeing at night, or changes in how you see colors and light, it’s important to schedule a comprehensive eye exam. Early detection is key in handling conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration before they significantly affect your vision. Supporting Your Vision From the Inside Out Nutrition is a powerful way to maintain healthy eyes, but it works best as part of a complete eye care routine. Eating a variety of colorful, nutrient-rich foods can help keep your eyes functioning at their best for years to come. If you’re concerned about your vision or want to learn more about preserving your eye health, plan a visit with your eye care provider today.