Cataract surgery is the only way to reverse the vision problems caused by cataracts. The procedure replaces the clouded lens of your eye with a new, clear artificial lens, restoring your vision.
It takes less than an hour and is very safe and effective. Most people notice immediate improvements in their vision after cataract surgery.
Keep reading to learn more about what to expect during your appointment for cataract surgery!
What Happens Before Cataract Surgery?
Cataract surgery is typically done on one eye at a time, even if both eyes have cataracts. This is so you won’t have both eyes recovering from cataract surgery at the same time.
If you need cataract surgery on both eyes, you will schedule the second procedure a few weeks after the first. Your eye doctor will also give you special eye drops to numb your eye before the procedure.
What Happens During The Cataract Surgery Procedure?
During cataract surgery, your eye doctor will use specialized tools to make an incision in your eye and break up the cloudy lens with the cataracts on it. They will then carefully remove the lens and place a clear, artificial lens into the pouch that holds the natural lens.
Once the new lens is in place, the procedure is finished. There is no need for stitches to close the initial incision.
The whole process will take about thirty minutes.
What Happens After Cataract Surgery?
Immediately after cataract surgery, your eye may still be numb from the drops. Your eye doctor will have you stay in the office for a short period of time to ensure your eye doesn’t swell or increase in pressure.
Once you’re ready to go home, you will need someone else to drive you.
You will also need to wear an eye shield for the first day and overnight for as long as your doctor says you should.
This will prevent you from rubbing your eye in your sleep. Your eye may feel slightly sore, itchy, or gritty.
It may look red, and you may notice it tearing more than usual. This is perfectly normal and will resolve in a day or so.
Your eye doctor will give you drops to prevent infection. It’s important to use these eye drops as directed.
You will return for a follow-up appointment the day after your cataract surgery. Your eye doctor will check how your eye is healing and give you any additional instructions for taking care of it.
When to Call Your Eye Doctor
There is a chance you could develop complications, including infection, after cataract surgery. You should call your eye doctor immediately if you notice symptoms such as:
- Vision loss
- Persistent pain that doesn’t get better with over-the-counter pain medicine
- Pain that gets worse over time
- Increasing redness
- Discharge
- Swelling
- New flashes or floaters
These symptoms may be signs of infection or a problem with the incision. Your eye doctor can examine you and give you appropriate treatment if complications occur.
Do you have cataracts and think it’s time to discuss care surgery? Schedule an appointment at EyeHealth Northwest in Portland, OR, today!
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