Cataract or the cloudy formation in the eyes is a common issue with aging and requires surgery to eliminate the obstructed view. The process can either remove part or the entire lens or replace it with an artificial one depending on the eye’s condition. If you are planning to have cataract surgery, this article will help you by presenting an overview of the before, during, and after the process of cataract surgery.
Before Surgery
Once your cataract surgery is scheduled, you will be instructed to take meals or drink for 12 hours before surgery. You are also required to hold the current medications to help reduce bleeding risk during the process.
An ultrasound test will be performed before a week of surgery to measure your eye’s shape and size. This will help your eye surgeon to determine the type of lens implant you need.
You will be prescribed antibiotic drops that need to be taken two days before the surgery. Make sure to follow the instructions properly for a successful surgical procedure. After the surgery, you will not be able to drive yourself home, and hence it is essential to bring a family member or friend with you to take you home following the surgery.
During Surgery
The outpatient surgery usually requires less than one hour to complete, and the doctors will ensure you are comfortable and pain-free throughout the process. Local anaesthesia will be used to numb your eyes, and you will not feel or sense anything during the surgery.
A tiny incision will be created in the edge of your cornea, the clear transparent part of your eye. An ultrasound will be used to emulsify the cataract. The high-frequency device will carefully break the cloudy lens into tiny pieces, and suction is used to collect the fragments.
Once the cloudiness has taken off, the artificial lens will be inserted, replacing your natural eye lens position. The incision created does not require stitches and will heal by itself. However, a protective shield will be placed over your eye to keep it safe during your early recovery period.
After Surgery
Your vision can become blurry initially, and you do not need to worry about this as it is normal right after the surgery. The reason for this is that your eye is still adjusting to your new lens while healing. Right after the surgery, you will find colors to appear bright. This is because the cataract usually shades away the color vision making the tones look dim.
You are required to visit the eye clinic two days after surgery to monitor the progress and ensure everything is alright.
You will also feel itchiness and irritation during the initial days and require wearing a protective sheet at night to avoid rubbing during sleep. Ensure to get your eye drops as instructed by your eye surgeon following your cataract treatment.
During the first week, avoid doing strenuous activities and doing bending or vigorous exercises that can stress and increase your eye pressure. Avoid hot tubs, sauna, swimming, and activities that can expose your eyes to dust and infectious environments.
Wear sunglasses when you go outside and use eye protection if you engage in any outdoor activities. Your eyes will be completely healed by the eighth week following the treatment. If you notice the increase in redness, irritation, or notice swelling or light flashes, contact your eye surgeon right away.
Cataract treatment is considered a surgery with higher success rates, and the complications are known to be less than 5%. The process will bring back your clear vision, improving your quality of life. If you are looking for this life-changing treatment and normalize your day-to-day activities, visit us at Spanish Eye Clinic for optimal treatments. Our eye surgeons will use the latest cutting-edge technology to get rid of your cataract and return your clear vision.
