If you’re considering cataract surgery, it’s important to know what to expect. Cataract surgery is a safe and effective way to restore vision that has been impaired by cataracts.
This article will provide information about the procedure, recovery time, and possible risks and complications associated with cataract surgery. It will also provide tips on how to prepare for the procedure.
Cataracts Surgery and its Benefits
Cataracts surgery is a procedure used to remove cloudy lenses from the eyes. The procedure is often done when glasses or contact lenses are no longer providing sufficient vision correction to improve a person’s quality of life.
During the procedure, an ophthalmologist uses ultrasound waves or laser energy to break up the cloudy lens material inside your eye. Then a new artificial lens implant is inserted in your eye in place of the old one.
The benefits of cataract surgery include improved vision, reduced risk of falls, better night vision and less dependence on glasses or contacts.
What To Expect During The Pre-Operative Appointment?
The pre-operative appointment typically takes place around one week before a scheduled cataract surgery date. During this appointment you will discuss all aspects of the procedure with your doctor including expectations for recovery times and risks associated with the procedure.
At this appointment you may also have additional tests such as dilation, bloodwork and any other necessary tests to ensure you are ready for cataract surgery.
The Day of the Surgery
On the day of your cataract surgery, you will be asked to arrive at least one hour prior to your scheduled time. You will be asked questions about any allergies or sensitivities you have as well as medications that you currently take.
An IV line may be started if necessary for general anesthesia during your procedure if requested by your doctor. After being given local anesthesia in preparation for your surgeon’s work inside your eye, they can begin removing the natural lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL).
Once complete, sutures may be placed in order to close up any incisions made during the operation and an antibiotic, steroid eye drop regimen prescribed by your doctor should be instilled immediately after treatment ends.
Recovery Time and What to Expect
Recovery time depends on several factors such as age, overall health condition before going into cataract surgery. Also, on how severe were existing clouded lenses impairing vision abilities before having this operation done on them.
But generally speaking, most people can expect full visual recovery within 1 – 2 weeks after their operation has been completed. Clear vision usually starts becoming noticeable shortly after completing post-op care instructions given by their doctor. These include;
- Using steroid eye drops for reducing inflammation caused during cutting off natural lenses from patient’s eyes.
- Avoiding getting exposed to bright sun light without wearing protective glasses specially designed for patients who just had their natural lenses removed.
- Taking some days off from work activities initially starting from light duty tasks like paperwork.
- Avoiding driving cars until their eyes have healed up completely.
- Using sunglasses whenever going outside.
How to Prepare For Cataracts Surgery
Before undergoing cataract surgery it is important that you prepare both mentally and physically beforehand so that everything goes smoothly on day-of-operation:
- Read online reviews regarding different ophthalmologists.
- Compare pricing rates between them and pick out one which meets all medical requirements within your budget.
- Discuss possible safety measures with chosen doctor so as to reduce chances of having risks and complications arising after getting operated upon.
- Mentally prepare yourself in advance by reading more information online related to the entire process involved in doing successful surgeries.
- Get surety from healthcare insurance company whether they would cover entire cost incurred during entire phase or not.