Cataract surgery is a common procedure that restores people’s clear vision. Despite the fact that this operation has a high success rate, it is normal to have many questions and concerns. Knowing more about the procedure helps alleviate any questions or concerns and can assist you in making an informed decision. Let’s look at some of the most prevalent queries about cataract surgery.
What precisely are cataracts?
Cataracts occur when the lens in your eye becomes clouded, impairing your vision and potentially leading to blindness if left untreated. Cataracts are most commonly caused by ageing, although they can also be caused by trauma, certain medications, or other disorders such as diabetes.
Do you require cataract surgery?
To determine if you require cataract surgery, check for significant visual issues that interfere with your everyday activities. Signs include blurry vision, difficulty seeing in the dark, sensitivity to light and glare, and seeing halos around lights. If you notice any of these symptoms, an eye doctor will determine if cataracts are the cause and whether surgery is required.
What happens during cataract surgery?
The clouded lens is removed and replaced with a clear artificial lens known as an intraocular lens (IOL). The entire treatment is normally performed as an outpatient and takes approximately 15-30 minutes each eye.
There are two primary forms of cataract surgery:
Phacoemulsification (Phaco) & Extracapsular Cataract Extraction (ECCE).
Phaco involves using an ultrasonic tool to break up the cloudy lens before sucking it out, whereas for advanced cataracts, ECCE removes the whole cloudy lens in one go.
How is the recovery process?
The recovery process after cataract surgery is usually pretty quick and the majority of people find that their vision gets better in just a few days. To you get through the post-surgery phase, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Use prescribed eye drops to avoid any infection or swelling
- Wear sunglasses when you’re out and about and try not to rub your eyes too much
- Skip heavy lifting, and bending over for about a week
When can you get back to your normal routine?
You can get back into your usual routine within a few days to a week. However, stay clear of anything that might put pressure on your eyes, like lifting heavy things or going hard at the gym, for at least a week.
