Many people
develop cataracts as they get older, especially if they have conditions such as
diabetes, if they take certain medications, or if they smoke. Cataracts are a
clouding of the lenses that cover the eyes and they require surgery to correct.
If you’re considering cataract surgery, here are some things of which you need
to be aware.
Surgery Replaces Lenses
The purpose of the
surgery is to replace the clouded lenses with clear ones so you can see better.
The new lenses are called intraocular lenses and are artificial implants. The
implants are safe and will last most people for the rest of their lives.
When the problem
is discovered, either by an optometrist or your doctor, you will be referred to
an ophthalmologist who will perform the surgery once he or she diagnoses the
cataracts. Most cataract surgeries take plan in the ophthalmologist’s office,
though they could be done in a hospital if you have other medical conditions
that may complicate the surgery.
Two Types of Surgeries
There are two
types of cataract surgeries ophthalmologists perform: small
incision surgery and extracapsular surgery.
The small incision
cataract operation is the most common one performed. After numbing your eyes
with drops or sedating you, a small incision is made on the edge of the cornea.
A very small ultrasound probe is then inserted to soften and break up the
clouded lens. The pieces are removed and the lens is replaced with the implant.
When an
extracapsular cataract
surgery is done, the doctor makes a slightly longer incision
to remove the clouded lens in one piece. Then, the implant replaces it and the
incision is closed. Surgery can take anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour,
depending if there are complications.
Recovery from Surgery
Recovering from
surgery is a gradual process and it can take up to 10 weeks to fully recover.
However, most people resume their normal activities within two weeks of having
it done. The doctor will prescribe eye drops to help speed the healing process
and you will usually wear an eye patch after surgery to protect the eye.
Try to rest after
surgery and avoid putting too much pressure on the eye. So, don’t bend over
immediately after surgery, try not to sneeze or vomit, and don’t lift heavy
weights for several weeks after having it done. If you don’t wear glasses,
consider wearing sunglasses when you’re outside to protect your eye from dirt,
dust, and debris that can be blown around by the wind.
As your eye heals,
it may feel dry or scratchy, but do not rub your eye. If there is some type of
debris in it, it could scratch your eye and damage it. Contact the
ophthalmologist if your vision hasn’t improved, if it is blurry, or if you’re
having eye pain or significant discomfort while you’re recovering. Most
surgeries are performed without complications but don’t hesitate to inform the
surgeon if you’re having problems after your eye surgery.
You should see
significant improvements in your eyesight once surgery has been done so you can
resume your normal activities.
