What to Expect From Cataract Surgery
Your doctor may advise surgery to remove your natural lens from your eye and replace it with an artificial one if you develop foggy vision as a result of a cataract. You'll see more clearly once it's finished; it's a routine and safe operation.
Who Should Have Surgery?
You don't necessarily need surgery if you have a cataract. You might not even notice that your vision has changed. Some individuals with this disease can see perfectly well with prescription eyewear, a magnifying glass, or better lighting.
However, cataracts may develop more symptoms as they progress. Your vision can be faint or fuzzy. When you look at things via the cataract-affected eye, you could also experience double vision. These issues can make it challenging to read, use a computer, or perform any other task that requires clear vision.
You can have poor night vision and find it more challenging to drive at night. You can be sensitive to headlight glare. Even the vision portion of a driver's exam might be failed by someone with advanced cataracts.
You may become more susceptible to the sun's brightness if you have cataracts. Around bright lights, a halo could be visible. This may prevent you from spending as much time outside as you'd like. Some activities, like skiing or golf, become more difficult to play as a result.
If you experience any of these signs, surgery might be beneficial.
Even if your cataract doesn't bother you, you occasionally may need surgery. If the cataract is large enough to crowd the inside of the eye, which could result in elevated pressure in the eye, your doctor might advise it.
How Do I Prepare For Cataract Surgery?
Your doctor will perform certain tests to gauge the size and shape of your eye a week or two before the treatment. They can select the ideal fake lens for you in this method.
You'll probably be instructed to go without food or liquids for 12 hours before to the procedure.
What Happens?
Although you will be awake during the surgery, your doctor will use medication to numb your eye so that you won't feel any pain. They might also administer a sedative to you.
Typically, the procedure lasts well under an hour. Your surgeon will make a very small incision in the cornea, occasionally with the use of a laser. They will insert a little tool through this to gently break up the cataract and suck it out.
The new lens, which is comprised of plastic, silicone, or acrylic, will then be installed, and the cut will be stitched up.
Although you won't have to spend the night at the hospital, you'll still need a ride home.
You'll likely need two separate procedures, usually spaced a few weeks apart, if you have cataracts in both eyes. As a result, the first eye has a chance to recover.
What Are the Side Effects?
Although complications following cataract surgery are uncommon, they could include:
Eye infection or swelling
Bleeding
Retinal detachment -- the breaking away of a layer of tissue at the back of your eye that senses light
Drooping eyelid
Temporary rise in eye pressure 12-24 hours after surgery
After Surgery
Your eye may itch or feel sore for a few days following surgery. You might have some tearing at this time, and you might find it difficult to see clearly in bright light.
You'll be given eyedrops by your doctor to guard against infection. For a few days, you must rest easily. Driving will be prohibited, and you must avoid bending over, picking up objects that are heavy, and applying pressure to your eye.
Your doctor will probably advise you to sleep with an eye protection on for the first week. This safeguards the operation location so that your eye can recuperate. Inform your doctor right away if you have pain or believe your eye isn't recovering as it should.
Your eye should be completely recovered after 8 weeks. 90% of patients report improved vision following cataract surgery. However, don't anticipate having flawless vision. You could still need to wear contacts or glasses.
What if My Vision Gets Cloudy After Surgery?
You could notice that objects look hazy once more following cataract surgery. It takes place because the capsule of your lens, which holds your new artificial lens in place, starts to thicken.
Your physician may refer to this condition as posterior capsule opacification. The issue might not become apparent straight away. It could take you months or years to realize it.
To repair it, your doctor might recommend a YAG laser procedure. This quick and painless procedure takes a few minutes. To allow more light to pass through your artificial lens, a surgeon uses a laser to break up the thickening around the lens capsule. That will make your hazy vision clear.
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