Cataract Surgery
Introduction
Cataracts, a common age-related vision condition, can cloud your vision and impact your daily life. However, advancements in medical technology have made cataract surgery a safe and effective solution for restoring clear vision. In this guide, we'll explore the ins and outs of cataract surgery, from understanding the procedure to what to expect during recovery.
What are Cataracts?
Cataracts occur when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, causing blurred vision and eventually leading to vision loss if left untreated. Factors such as aging, exposure to UV radiation, smoking, and certain medical conditions can increase the risk of developing cataracts.
Cataract Gallery
Symptoms of Cataracts
- Blurred or cloudy vision
- Sensitivity to light and glare
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Fading or yellowing of colors
- Double vision in one eye
Procedure Details
How should you prepare for cataract surgery?
Before your surgery day, you’ll meet with your ophthalmologist for a thorough eye exam. As part of this exam, your ophthalmologist will:
- Check your eye health.
- Look for any signs that you shouldn’t have surgery.
- Determine risk factors that could complicate your surgery.
- Measure your eye to find the correct focusing power for your IOL.
- Tell you if you need to use prescription eye drops.
Use this time to share any concerns or questions with your ophthalmologist. You may want to ask:
- What are the risks of surgery for me?
- What are the benefits for me?
- What type of IOL do you recommend for me?
- Will I need glasses or contacts after the surgery?
- How long will my recovery be?
- When can I expect to return to my usual activities?
You won’t be able to drive right after your surgery. So, be sure to ask someone to drive you to and from your surgery.
How is cataract surgery done?
Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure. So, you can go home soon after the surgery ends.
To perform cataract surgery, your surgeon will:
- Numb the surface of your eye: This is called topical anesthesia. You’ll receive eye drops in your eye so you won’t feel anything during the surgery. You may also receive medicine to help you relax. You’ll be awake during your surgery, but you won’t see anything coming at you. You’ll only see a rainbow of lights.
- Make a tiny incision in your cornea: Your surgeon will use a laser or a blade. Usually, the incision doesn’t need stitches to close.
- Break up and remove the cataract: The most common way to do this is a technique called phacoemulsification. Your surgeon will use ultrasound waves to break up your lens into many tiny pieces. Then, they’ll suction out those pieces.
- Insert your new lens: Your surgeon will insert your new lens through the same incision. Most IOLs can fold up for easy insertion. Your IOL then unfolds into the space where your cloudy lens had rested.
- Protect your eye: Your surgeon will provide you with protective goggles or in rare case an Eye Patch after surgery.
How long does cataract surgery take?
Cataract surgery usually takes 15 to 20 minutes. With preparation and recovery added in, your appointment may be several hours. Ask your ophthalmologist the timeframe so you can tell the person who’s driving you.
What Are the Different Types of Lenses for Cataract Surgery ?
First, let's review the options :
- Monofocal lenses are designed to provide the best possible vision at one distance. Most people who choose monofocals have their IOLs set for distance vision. They use reading glasses for near-vision tasks.
- Multifocal IOLs have corrective zones built into the lens, much like bifocal or trifocal eyeglasses. This allows you to see both near and far objects. Some multifocals may also correct intermediate vision.
- Extended depth-of-focus (EDOF) IOLs have only one corrective zone. But this zone is stretched to allow distance and intermediate vision.
- Accommodative lenses can also correct vision at all distances. The lens uses the natural movements of your eye’s muscles to change focus.
- Toric lenses have extra built-in correction for astigmatism. These are available in monofocal and some presbyopia-correcting IOLs.
- Light-adjustable lens (LAL). This newer type of monofocal IOL is the only type of IOL that can be customized after surgery. With an LAL, your ophthalmologist will be able to adjust the lens for any leftover refractive error after your eye heals so that you don’t need glasses for distance vision. This adjustment can include astigmatism. Monovision can also be set to allow both near and distance vision without glasses. Adjustments are done through a series of office-based light treatment procedures.
Cataract Surgery Recovery
Before you head home, you’ll be given eye drops and an eye shield or special glasses to protect your eyes. You also may be told to avoid certain activities such as touching your eye, bending over, and heavy lifting. Your eye doctor will advise you on how long to avoid these things.
Because of your vision changes and possible imbalances between your two eyes, driving can be risky until your eyes adjust. Ask your eye doctor when you can drive safely.
Your eye doctor can tell you when you’ll be able to do other activities, such as:
- Swimming
- Applying eye makeup
- Exercising
- Returning to work
Don't do them until you get your doctor's go-ahead.
- When you bathe, avoid getting shampoo and soap in your eyes.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes or otherwise putting pressure on them.
- Wear sunglasses when outdoors.
- Wear your eye shield as directed, such as while you sleep.
- Use your eye drops as directed.
The following tips can help with your recovery:
A full recovery can take 4-8 weeks. To monitor healing during your recovery, you will see your eye doctor a few times — within a few days after surgery, a week or so later, and again after a month. If you experience any of the following, call your doctor right away:
- Vision loss
- Ongoing pain despite taking pain medication
- Increased redness of your eye
- Swelling of your eyelid
- Light flashes or floaters, which are multiple spots of light in front of your eye
- Mucous discharge or crusting around your eye
While cataract surgery should improve your vision significantly, you likely will need to wear glasses at least sometimes. Your doctor will test your eyesight and give you a new prescription in 1-3 months after your surgery.
Cataract Surgery Side Effects
Expect your vision to be blurry after surgery, but colors may appear brighter. It will get better in the following days or weeks. You may experience other temporary side effects, including:
- A gritty feeling in your eye
- Bloodshot or red eyes
- Watery eyes
- Sensitivity to light
- Dryness
- Itching or burning
Cataract Surgery FAQs
How long does it take to recover from cataract surgery?
A full recovery takes 4-8 weeks. However, you’ll likely be able to drive and engage in other activities much sooner than that. Your eye doctor will provide the best estimate, based on your circumstances.
How painful is cataract surgery?
Your eye doctor will numb your eye, so you should feel little or no pain during the procedure. You may feel some discomfort after surgery. Over-the-counter painkillers should help.
Is there a downside to cataract surgery?
Cataract surgery can greatly improve your vision, and it’s successful in 97% of people. However, it does come with risks, including vision loss. But that is very rare. Discuss the risks with your doctor.
How long does cataract surgery take?
Cataract surgery is usually very quick. The procedure itself takes only about 20 to 30 minutes from start to finish.
Is cataract surgery painful?
Although you’ll likely be awake during the procedure, it’s generally not painful because you’ll be given a local anesthesia. You may experience slight discomfort, but intense pain is uncommon.
Cataract surgery aftercare
In most cases, you’ll begin experiencing significant improvement in the first several days, though it can take up to a month for you to fully heal. Your healthcare provider may give you special eye drops for pain and to prevent infections. Also, you may be instructed to wear a protective mask when you sleep.
While you’re recovering, you should wear sunglasses while outdoors to protect your eyes from sunlight. Also, try to avoid touching your eyes or getting anything in them.
Can you drive after cataract surgery?
You won’t be able to drive immediately after surgery and you will need to arrange a ride home ahead of time. You may be able to drive several days after the surgery. However, you should talk with your eye doctor for a timeline specific to you.
How much time will you miss from work?
Most people feel better a few days after surgery and are able to return to work 1 to 2 days later if they don’t develop any complications. However, you may need to avoid certain activities for a few weeks, such as lifting heavy objects or bending over.
Sleeping position after cataract surgery
It’s generally recommended that you try to sleep on your back or the opposite side of your healing eye to avoid direct pressure that may dislodge your lens.
When can you exercise after cataract surgery?
You should avoid strenuous activities directly after surgery. Your provider can give you a specific timeframe on how long you should avoid exercise. They’ll likely recommend taking at least 1 week off from strenuous activities.
Other restrictions after cataract surgery
Other recommendations to protect your eyes after surgery include avoiding:
- getting water and soap in your eyes
- touching your eyes
- swimming
- wearing mascara for a week or two
- using face cream or lotion
- coloring or perming your hair for 1 to 2 weeks
- using hot tubs and saunas
- dusting and gardening
Takeaway
Cataract surgery is one of the most common and safest surgeries performed in the United India. The procedure is quick and doesn’t require an overnight stay in a hospital. It is covered by medical insurance companies
If you experience vision impairment from cataracts, you may want to ask a doctor if you’re a good candidate for surgery.