After Cataract Removal Surgery
Ninety five percent of healthy individuals can see 20/40 uncorrected after cataract removal surgery. This vision is accepted legally for driving an automobile. This high success rate makes cataract eye operations a good choice for most of the patients that need this type of surgery. Fewer than two percent of the seventeen thousand participants had sight threatening complications. In cataract operations, the cloudy natural lens is removed from the affected eye and a permanent lens implant is placed where the natural lens was to restore vision.
Cataracts removal operations are usually done on an outpatient basis. You cannot wear eye makeup on the day of surgery and have nothing to eat or drink after midnight. Once you get to the place of surgery, eye drops to dilate the pupil will be placed in the affected eye. Most patients prefer to take a sedative to calm any nervousness. Additional a local anesthetic will be given to avoid any pain associated with the surgery. After the cataract eye operation is complete you will spend a short time in the outpatient recovery area and then will be released to go home. Plan to have someone drive you home.
To remove cataract in the eyes the doctor removes the clouded natural lens with an ultra sound and the sonic waves breaks up the cataract as it is removed from the eye. A permanent implant lens also known as IOL is placed in the eye. The lens material will either be plastic or silicone. This implant replaces the natural lens and restores vision. The implants come in prescription strengths just like your glasses do. Standard implant lenses come with one or two distances which require glasses and premium lenses may provide full range of vision and not require glasses which can become expensive in cataract removal cost.
It is important to follow the doctor’s instructions while you are recovering. In addition to instructions for your specific eye care needs do not do a strenuous activity or heavy lifting, any type of bending or exercise that can strain your eye or splashing water into your eye. You will also need to apply eye drops as prescribed by your doctor usually several times a day. Wearing some type of eye shield while you sleep should be done for at least a week after surgery. Sunglasses will be a must when you are in bright lights or in sunshine. You will have some tearing and watering of the eyes during your time in the light.
Any type of surgery is frightening. Cataract operations are low risk, easy recover, minimal discomfort and the end result of being able to see clearly again is worth it. Do your research and get a referral from a doctor that you trust. The internet provides a wealth of information on the surgery, before, during, and after cataract removal surgery.