All You Need To Know About Cataract Surgery
If you have a cataract and your vision becomes cloudy, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove the lens of your eye and replace it with an artificial one. It is a common and safe procedure, and once completed, you will be able to see better. You may notice that your vision is blurry after cataract surgery. This is to be expected as your eye heals and adjusts. In just a few days, you will notice a significant improvement. Complete recovery usually takes 8 weeks. During the cataract treatment, eye lens replacement is done.
Cataract Eye Surgery
Cataract surgery is a quick and painless procedure that removes a cloudy lens that is causing vision problems. Cataracts or cataract surgery affects more than half of people over the age of 80. Approximately 90% of people have successful surgery, which results in improved vision. It may take up to eight weeks to fully recover. Cataract surgery cost varies from Rs 15,000 to Rs 80,000.
Do You Need Surgery?
If you have a cataract, it does not always require surgery. You might not even notice any difference in your vision. Some people with this condition can see perfectly well if they wear prescription glasses, use a magnifying lens, or use brighter lighting. However, as cataracts progress, they can cause more symptoms. You may have blurred or dim vision. When you look at things through the cataract-affected eye, you may notice double vision. These issues can make it difficult to read, work on a computer, or do anything else that requires clear vision.
You may have poor night vision and find it difficult to drive in the dark. You may be sensitive to headlight glare. Advanced cataracts can cause people to fail the vision portion of a driver's test. Cataracts can make you more sensitive to sunlight glare. A halo may appear around bright lights. This may prevent you from spending as much time outside as you would like. It also makes it more difficult to participate in certain sports, such as skiing or golf. If you have any of these symptoms, laser cataract surgery may be beneficial. Even if your cataract is not bothering you, you may need surgery.
Risks
Complications following cataract surgery are uncommon, and the majority can be successfully treated.
Risks associated with cataract surgery include:
- Inflammation
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Swelling
- Eyelid drooping
- Artificial lens dislocation
- Detachment of the retina
- Glaucoma
- Cataract secondary
- Visual impairment
If you have another eye disease or a serious medical condition, your risk of complications increases. Cataract surgery may fail to improve vision in some cases due to underlying eye damage caused by other conditions such as glaucoma or macular degeneration. If possible, it may be advantageous to evaluate and treat other eye problems before deciding on cataract surgery.
Preparing For Cataract Surgery
You may be told not to eat or drink anything for 12 hours prior to cataract surgery. Your doctor may also advise you to discontinue any medications that may increase your risk of bleeding during the procedure for a short period of time. Inform your doctor if you are taking any medications for prostate problems, as some of these medications may interfere with cataract surgery.
One or two days before surgery, antibiotic eye drops may be prescribed. You can usually go home the same day as your surgery, but you won't be able to drive, so make arrangements for a ride home. Arrange home help if necessary, as your doctor may restrict activities like bending and lifting for about a week after your surgery.
What Happens During The Surgery?
You will be awake during the procedure, but your doctor will numb your eye with medication so that you will not feel any pain. They may also administer relaxation medication to you. The procedure usually takes less than an hour. Your surgeon will make a tiny incision in the front of your eye, sometimes using a laser. They'll insert a small tool through this to break up the cataract and gently suction it out. They will then insert the new lens, which will be made of plastic, silicone, or acrylic, and close the cut.
You will not need to stay overnight at the hospital, but you will require transportation home. If you have cataracts in both eyes, you will almost certainly have two separate surgeries, usually a few weeks apart. This allows the first eye to heal.
Post-Surgery Expectations & Recovery
Your eye may itch or feel sore for a few days after surgery. You may also experience tearing and difficulty seeing in bright light during this time.
To prevent infection, your doctor will give you eye drops. You'll need to rest for a few days. Driving will be prohibited, and you should not bend over, pick up heavy objects, or put any strain on your eyes.
Your doctor will most likely advise you to sleep with an eye shield for the first week. This shields the surgical site, allowing your eye to heal. If you are in pain or believe your eye is not healing properly, contact your doctor right away.
Advantages Of Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is the only way to remove a cataract and restore your vision. No other medications or eyedrops have been shown to improve cataracts. Cataract surgery has a high rate of success in improving people's vision. Approximately 9 out of 10 people report improved vision as a result of the procedure. Following surgery, you can expect to:
See things more clearly.
Reduce the glare when looking at bright lights.
Differentiate between colours.
Stop Googling "cataract surgery near me" and book an appointment with us for a completely safe and efficient cataract surgery.
