Cataract Surgery

Cataract Surgery - Understanding Cataract Removal

Cataract surgery is generally the recommended cataract treatment option. Cataract refers to the cloudy portion in the lens of the eye which can occur with age or from other causes. During cataract removal procedure, the lens is removed and replaced with a clear plastic lens.

In the case of individuals who have eye problems that don't allow use of a plastic lens, only the cloudy portion of the lens is removed and the remainder stays. If both eyes require surgery, they will be done one at a time with an interval of several weeks. Such cataract operation is often an outpatient procedure done under local anesthetic (numbing the eye while the patient stays awake).

Risks of Cataract Surgery

Risks are inherent in any surgery. Fortunately for cataract removal surgery, the risks are quite low.

The common risks associated with cataract operation are infection, which can potentially lead to loss of vision. The other common risk is bleeding. The risk of retinal detachment, a painless but serious emergency condition which can lead to loss of vision, is increased with the cataract operation. The risks are higher in individuals who have other eye problems or who have a serious medical condition.

Preparing for Cataract Surgery

About a week before the cataract removal surgery, the shape of your eye will be measured by your eye doctor. This is so that the correct type of lens can be implanted during the cataract surgery.

Your doctor might have you use antibiotic eye drops a day or two before the cataract treatment surgery, to decrease the chances of infection. You may also be asked to avoid eating or drinking anything for 12 hours before the cataract operation. Your eye doctor may also give you additional instructions depending on other health conditions you may have. You will need to follow all the instructions of your eye doctor faithfully (note that depending on your medical history and on your doctor, these instructions may differ on a case-by-case basis from the ones here). It is also critical that you arrange for a ride home after the cataract surgery is completed, as you won't be able to drive.

What To Expect During Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery is a relatively quick procedure. You can expect to be administered with eye drops (for dilating the pupil), and local anesthetics to numb the eye and surrounding areas. A sedative may also be given; this will help you relax. There are different techniques that the surgeon may use, depending on whether your entire lens is being replaced, or the cataract is being removed from your existing lens.

After the cataract operation is complete, a patch or eye shield might be used to protect the eye. The medical team will have you rest and will watch for any problems arising from the cataract removal. Then you will be able to go home.

What To Expect After Cataract Surgery

It is important to understand what to expect during the cataract surgery recovery period. This is so that as and when you experience the common symptoms, you will at least be well prepared mentally. It is also crucial to visit your eye doctor immediately should you experience any serious complications or conditions that can be potentially damaging.

At the start of your cataract surgery recovery process, your vision will be a little blurry for the first two days while the eye heals. You may feel some itching and mild discomfort during this time; you have to avoid rubbing the eye. All discomfort should be gone after the first two days.

You will be given a list of instructions to follow for the first week or so, which may include using an eye patch, using eye drops, and avoid bending down or lifting things. It is critical to follow your eye doctor's instructions to avoid complications from the cataract surgery. You will be examined by your eye doctor a day or two after the surgery, then a week later and then a month later. This is important because it allows detection of any problems that may come up during the cataract surgery recovery period.

You will need to contact an eye doctor immediately if you have any of the following symptoms during the cataract surgery recovery period: vision loss, light flashes or multiple moving spots (floaters) in your field of vision, increased eye redness, pain that persists beyond use of over-the-counter medications or pain that continues after the first couple of days, nausea, vomiting or excessive coughing. Your eye doctor may instruct you about additional symptoms to watch for, which may also require you to contact the clinic immediately.

Usually, healing after cataract surgery is complete about eight weeks after surgery. Through the cataract removal procedure, you should be able to see more clearly (vision is less blurred), and you will notice that colors may appear brighter.

Low Vision Aids