Cataract Surgery: What can one expect before, during and after the surgery?
Cataract surgery is one of the more renowned procedures when it comes to treating weakening eyesight. A laser cataract surgery is performed to treat cataracts that are causing blurry vision and increased glares from sunlight and other lights as well. A laser cataract surgery is a common procedure that would be suggested by your ophthalmologist when the cataract is hindering one’s ability to function properly. If the individual is over 50 years of age, then there is a 50% chance the sooner or later they would have to have cataract surgery done in their lifetime.
The procedure usually takes around an hour, but there are risks involves that the person undergoing treatment should be made aware of. Complications after Cataract surgery are extremely rare, and most of the complications, if they happen, can be treated easily.
Complications After the Surgery
- Bleeding
- Swelling
- Inflammation
- Infection
- Retinal Detachment
- Glaucoma
- Dropping Eyelid
- Dislocation of Artificial lens
- Secondary Cataract
- Loss of Vision
Risks of complications are significantly increased if the individual already has an underlying eye condition or any other serious medical condition. If the individual already has a severe health condition, then cataract surgery might fail to improve the vision. In such cases, the patient is highly advised to evaluate and treat other eye-related issues before opting for cataract surgery.
Dry eyes and autoimmune diseases are also associated with lessening vision of the eye; Rheumatoid Arthritis is one such example.
Before the surgery:
Lid Hygiene is imperative for a successful surgery.
There is a serious risk of infection after the surgery if any lid infection and abnormalities are ignored before the procedure. The most prominent of them are blepharitis, entropion, trichiasis, styes & chalazion.
How To Prepare for The Surgery?
Food and medication
The patient would be asked to forgo any food and drink for at least 12 hours before the surgery, and the patient is on any medication, the surgeon would usually advise the same for that as well, especially if the drug can increase the possibility of bleeding during the procedure. It is highly recommended that the patients explain in detail if they have any underlying condition and the medication they are taking because of it.
Antibiotic eyedrops are also prescribed to be used two days before the procedure is about to happen.
Other precautions one should take
Since the patient won’t be able to drive after the surgery, it would be best if the arrangements are made for the patient to travel as it is highly likely that the discharge would happen on the same day.
Before The Procedure
The doctor will perform an ultrasound test a week before the surgery to measure the shape and size of the eye. The primary purpose of this procedure is to determine the right type lens implant, intraocular lens or IOL.
These IOLs are used to improve the vision of the eye and required no special care and maintenance. These IOLs will become a part of the patient’s eye permanently.
There are different types of IOLs, and one should have a deep discussion with their doctor regarding which one would be best suited for them.
During The Procedure
The very first thing the surgeon would do is dilate the eye of the patient with eyedrops. A local anesthetic is given to numb the surrounding area and a sedative if required.
In the surgery, the clouded lens is replaced with a clear artificial lens. But in some cases, only the clouded lens is removed during the procedure.
Surgical Method to remove cataracts
- By the use of an ultrasound probe to break the lens that is to be removed.
- By making an incision in the eye and removing the lens.
After The Procedure
After the surgery, the vision would gradually improve, and it would take some time for the patient to get used to it. Regular checkups with the doctor are highly advised at least for a month after the surgery.
Itching and mild comfort would be expected for at least a couple of days after the surgery. If the patient is experiencing any of the effects mentioned earlier, contact the doctor immediately.
Diabetes & The Eye Check-up: Why It’s Important to Get Eyes Checked
If someone is diabetic, one cannot overstate the importance of Routine Eye Exams. According to CDC, Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness among people under the age of 74; that is why it is recommended for diabetic patients to schedule a yearly dilated exam with their ophthalmologist. Eyes are often the most overlook part of the body, which really should not be the case. Start taking better care of them so that they can take better care of you!
