Getting Cataract Surgery? Here are Some Things to Expect!
Cataract surgery is one of the most effective ways to correct vision problems caused by cataracts, like blurred and cloudy vision. It’s a pretty simple surgery that takes less than an hour and is very effective.
That said, if you’re going in for this procedure, there are some things you need to know so that you go in with realistic expectations. Before going in for any medical procedure, it’s important to stay informed and knowledgeable on how it works, what happens during the actual procedure, and other factors. learn more about Cataract surgery at https://www.personaleyes.com.au/cataracts
That way, the procedure and recovery time don’t take you by surprise. and you know exactly how to take care of your eyes after cataract surgery.
And in this article, we explain everything to expect when getting cataract surgery, from when you go to the doctor’s office for a consultation all the way to the recovery period after the procedure!
Let’s dive in.
An Overview of Cataract Surgery
A cataract forms when the proteins in your eye break down and clump together. This causes people to experience cloudy and blurry vision. The condition feels similar to looking through a windshield that’s fogged up and cloudy, which can greatly affect your daily life.
Cataract surgery is a procedure designed to remove cataracts and restore your vision. The process breaks down and removes proteins in your eye, clouding your vision. Afterward, a new artificial lens to better improve your vision.
This is a very common procedure that’s very effective at restoring a person’s vision and improving their ability to perform everyday activities.
Types of Cataract Surgery
There are many types of cataract surgery. However, all of them involve removing the intraocular lens of your eye and replacing it with a new artificial lens. The new lens corrects vision and provides people with clearer eyesight.
Here are the different types of cataract surgery:
Small Incision Cataract Surgery
Also known as SICS, this procedure involves making a small incision near the cornea of the affected eye. From there, the doctor inserts an ultrasound probe that breaks up the cloudy lens. Once the ultrasound waves break up the cloudy natural lens, the cataract surgeon carefully and safely removes the broken-down lens. click here to learn more about SICS
Then, the clear artificial lens is placed inside the eye. In this procedure, the eye surgeon will leave the natural lens capsule, which is the protective shield that covers the lens. This process is also called phacoemulsification cataract surgery, and it’s one of the most common types of cataract surgery that doctors perform.
Femtosecond Laser Surgery
This type of surgery involves using a laser to break up the blurry lens. Once the proteins have been broken down, the surgeon removes the broken-down particles and installs the new lens. This type of cataract surgery is ideal for those with astigmatism since the doctor can use the light from the laser to reshape your cornea and bring you closer to normal vision.
Extracapsular Surgery
Some cataracts cannot be removed through phacoemulsification and femtosecond laser. In these cases, the doctor usually recommends extracapsular cataract surgery, which involves removing the original lens in one piece. And just like with other procedures, they will implant a new clear lens to correct your blurred vision.
How to Book an Appointment for Cataract Surgery
If you suffer from cataracts and want to have clearer vision, you might want to consider cataract surgery. To get this procedure, it’s recommended that you are in good overall health and you see a doctor for consultation.
While some types of cataract surgery are outpatient procedures, you still need to see a doctor before going in for treatment. That way, they can assess your condition and determine the exact type of cataract surgery you need. Once you’ve agreed on a type of cataract surgery, you can book an appointment with your surgeon.
What to Expect Before Cataract Surgery
Before cataract surgery, we recommend letting your doctor know about any medication you take or underlying conditions you have. This is to avoid serious complications during the procedure.
Additionally, you might have to apply eye drops and avoid eating and drinking 6-8 hours before the procedure. That way, there are no complications.
What to Expect During Cataract Surgery
Usually, a local anaesthetic is used during surgery so that everything is painless. Before this, the doctor may give you medication to relax and apply numbing eye drops, so you don’t feel the incision. Patients typically stay awake during cataract surgery as the process only lasts between 30 to 45 minutes.
What to Expect After Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is a quick and simple outpatient procedure. That said, patients usually experience blurred or double vision right after the surgery. Most patients will not be able to travel back home from the clinic on their own, so immediate assistance is required after surgery.
That said, most patients start to feel fine a few hours after the surgery and can commence with their regular activities. Your surgeon might supply you with an eye patch or covering to wear after the surgery to prevent infection and other complications.
During recovery, we recommend avoiding any strenuous activities such as lifting weights and playing sports. While further surgery is barely required, you will need to set a follow-up appointment the day after the surgery, a week after, and a few weeks to about a month after.
Aftercare Tips When Recovering from Cataract Surgery
Here are some tips for taking care of your eyes after cataract surgery:
- Follow your doctor’s orders
- Relax and avoid rubbing your eye
- Apply eye drops as needed
- Do not allow soap and shampoo to get in your eyes
- Avoid eye makeup for at least four weeks
- Call your doctor if you experience any complications
Conclusion
Cataract surgery is a great procedure to help patients with impaired vision due to cataracts. But while the procedure is simple and effective, there are quite a few things you need to know to keep your expectations realistic. So, if you think that cataract surgery is the right option for you, contact a doctor today.