What To Expect During And After Cataract Surgery
Cataracts are characterized by cloudy or blurred vision, sensitivity to light, and difficulty seeing at night, and they occur when the eye's lens become less more rigid, less transparent, and thick. Although cataracts typically occur because of aging, people of all ages can suffer from cataracts. When cataracts become too severe, surgery is typically required. Here is what you can expect during and after your cataract procedure.
During the Surgery
Typically, your cataract surgery will be performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning you will not need to spend the night in the hospital and will be able to leave within several hours after the procedure. First, the surgeon will dilate your eyes with eye drops, which is painless. Next, the doctor might provide you with a sedative to help you relax.
The surgeon will then numb the eye with an anesthetic before removing lens with an ultrasound, which will cause the lens to break up into smaller sections before it is removed, or the doctor will make a small incision and remove the lens in a single piece. A new artificial lens, or intraocular lens, is then placed in the eye.
Your doctor will help you determine the best type of intraocular lens to choose based upon your needs. For example, a fixed-focal monofocal lens will help improve your vision at a distance, but you still may need to use reading glasses. Once the lens is placed, the procedure is over, and you will be placed in a recovery room for a few hours to ensure there are no complications and to allow time for the anesthesia and sedative to wear off.
Recovering From Cataract Surgery
Ask a friend or family member to drive you home, as you will have trouble seeing after having your eyes dilated and will be groggy from the sedative. Your vision will begin to improve in the first few days after surgery, although it could take several weeks before your vision is completely clear. Your doctor will provide you with eye drops to help keep your eye moist and promote healing.
Avoid rubbing your healing eye and wear the protective eye shield or eye patch the doctor provides while you sleep. You can return to your normal activities, including watching television, reading, and showering, within hours of your surgery. However, make sure to avoid getting soap or shampoo into your eye for several days, as this could cause serious irritation.
If you have been living with cataracts and want to improve your vision, surgery might be the best option. Contact your doctor with any other questions you have about cataract surgery.