Cataract Surgery – What to Expect
Whenever you are planning to undergo cataract surgery, there are certain things you need to consider. These include the procedure itself, the intraocular lens (IOL), postoperative care, and recovery.
Preparing for the procedure
Having cataract surgery can be a life-changing event. This eye surgery is a quick procedure and usually does not involve any stitches. However, it is important to know what to expect from this operation.
It is not uncommon for patients to experience blurry vision after the procedure. This is because they are being introduced to a new lens. In fact, most cataract surgery patients experience significant visual improvement within 24 to 48 hours.
Choosing the right eyeglasses is important. Most cataract surgery patients will need to wear a protective shield to protect their eyes during healing. If you are not interested in wearing a shield, you can choose from a variety of protective glasses or contact lenses.
Taking the right medications is also crucial. If you are taking any medications, be sure to check with your doctor to see if they need to be stopped prior to the procedure. This will also help to reduce the chances of complications.
The eye surgeon will probably give you an ultrasound of your eye before the surgery. This will be the most important of the preoperative tests.
The eye surgeon will probably also give you a small A-scan of your eye. This is a painless test that can reveal what your lens size is.
The eye doctor may also give you a prescription for medicated eye drops. These eye drops are a great way to relax before surgery. They are also a good way to prevent infection.
Having cataract surgery is not as frightening as it may seem. You will be in the hospital for less than an hour. However, the recovery will take about four to six weeks. You may need to have someone drive you home from the hospital. It is also a good idea to request at least two days off from work. You may have to avoid lifting heavy objects and strenuous activities such as gardening and cleaning the house.
The eye surgeon may also give you a small sedative injection. This may be in the form of a tic tac. This may seem like a strange request, but it will help you get a good night’s sleep.
The intraocular lens
During cataract surgery, the natural lens of the eye is removed and an intraocular lens is implanted instead. The intraocular lens focuses light on the retina, a layer of cells that transforms light into signals for the brain. If you are considering cataract surgery, it is important to understand the process and the different types of lenses available.
The first type of intraocular lens used was made from polymethylmethacrylate, or PMMA. This material was used because it was inert and did not cause rejection. The first implant was performed in November 1949 at St Thomas’ Hospital in London by Sir Harold Ridley.
Since then, materials for intraocular lenses have changed from rigid plastics to flexible acrylic and silicone. These lenses can be inserted through smaller incisions.
After cataract surgery, a patient can experience some discomfort. However, these side effects usually subside within a few days. If they do not improve, a visit to an eye doctor should be scheduled. An ophthalmologist will discuss your options and recommend the best intraocular lens for you.
When choosing an IOL, you should consider your vision and lifestyle. The best IOL for you may be the one with the best lens shape and magnification for your current visual needs. You may also want to consider the type of IOL that will be used.
The most common types of IOLs are acrylic or silicone. They are either single or multi-piece lenses. A single-piece lens can be an overall plate lens or an open loop lens.
There are also different types of multifocal lenses, including trifocal IOLs, which provide near, intermediate and distance vision. Some multifocal lenses use concentric ring designs. These lenses often have mildly compromised focus at all ranges of vision.
If you are considering cataract surgery, it is best to visit an eye doctor for a follow-up appointment as soon as possible. It is also a good idea to take care of your eye after the surgery. Avoid strenuous exercises and anything that increases your blood pressure.
Aside from its primary function of replacing the natural lens of the eye, an intraocular lens also has the potential to cause other complications. These include retinal detachment, swelling, and inflammation. These complications can be cured with prompt attention.
Postoperative care
Surgical care after cataract surgery involves the use of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory drugs. These medications are typically administered during the first week of recovery. These drugs are used to increase the comfort of the eye and to hasten the healing process.
Postoperative ocular irritation symptoms are common after cataract surgery. However, the severity and duration of symptoms vary from patient to patient. These symptoms can delay recovery from surgery and may also influence the patient’s evaluation of the treatment outcome. Various studies have investigated the incidence of postoperative ocular irritation symptoms. However, these studies have been conflicting.
The European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ESCRS) conducted a practice pattern study of cataract surgeons. It did not include any data on the proportion of European surgeons using postoperative NSAIDs.
The World Health Organization’s report on the risk of cataract surgery in the developing world focuses on less developed regions. This report found that cataract surgery carries a 2% risk of serious vision-threatening complications. These complications include leakage of the wound, retained lens fragments, retinal detachment, and suprachoroidal hemorrhage.
In addition to the 2% risk of vision-threatening complications, cataract surgery is associated with an increased risk of adverse events. During surgery, the corneal incision induces trauma to corneal epithelial cells. This trauma triggers an inflammatory cascade. The inflammatory response can increase the risk of postoperative ocular complications. The underlying uveitis may also be exacerbated.
In some studies, significant pain was reported following cataract surgery. This pain lasted for several weeks. However, some studies reported minimal or no pain during the first postoperative hours. Several studies have investigated the use of topical antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs to treat postoperative ocular irritation.
The use of topical antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and corticosteroids is common in postoperative care after cataract surgery. The most commonly used drugs are benzalkonium chloride and diclofenac. Both drugs have been linked to corneal cell cytotoxicity and inflammation.
Surgical care after cataract surgery includes the use of eye shields to keep water from entering the operated eye. Patients can also avoid sauna use and heavy lifting for two days.
Recovery
Getting back to your normal routine after cataract surgery can take a couple of weeks. It’s important to follow the doctor’s instructions to avoid complications. During this time, you may experience a little bit of soreness, blurred vision, and a foreign body sensation. You should also report any pain or discomfort to your doctor as soon as possible.
The recovery period after cataract surgery is a time when you should avoid activities that put pressure on the eye. This is because the eye is more vulnerable to injury and infection. Some activities, such as swimming, should be avoided for at least two weeks.
You should also avoid activities that put the eye under stress, such as driving. It’s also important to avoid activities that cause bending over or lifting objects that are heavier than 25 pounds.
You should also avoid rubbing the eye and using soaps, shampoos, or cosmetics. These irritants can slow down the body’s healing process.
You should also plan to rest for at least a week after surgery. It’s also a good idea to ask a friend or family member to drive you home from your doctor’s office.
You should also avoid contact sports for at least a week. This is because you are more likely to get an infection or other complications when you play contact sports.
You should also take naps when you’re tired. This will help your body get stronger and help your eyes heal. You should also try to get at least seven hours of sleep each night. If you’re experiencing blurry vision, you should ask your doctor to schedule an eye exam.
You may be prescribed eye drops to help prevent infection. The drops are also important to help heal the eye. You should use the eye drops as prescribed by your doctor.
You should also avoid contact sports and heavy lifting for at least a week after surgery. You can do light housework and light computer work in moderation. You should also ask your doctor when you’re safe to drive.
You should also avoid going outside in a windy or dusty environment. You should also avoid hot tubs and pools.
Health Sources:
Health A to Z. (n.d.). HSE.ie. https://www2.hse.ie/az/
U.S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
Directory Health Topics. (n.d.). https://www.healthline.com/directory/topics
Health A-Z. (2022, April 26). Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/health-a-z-4014770
Harvard Health. (2015, November 17). Health A to Z. https://www.health.harvard.edu/health-a-to-z
Health Conditions A-Z Sitemap. (n.d.). EverydayHealth.com. https://www.everydayhealth.com/conditions/
