Cataract is the clouding of clear lenses in our eyes. These develop slowly and then eventually start interfering with the vision. The only way to treat this condition is by Cataract Surgery. As the name suggests, cataract surgery is done to remove the cataract from the eyes and replace it with an artificial lens.
There are different types of cataract. Depending on the types, the suitable surgery is decided to be performed by the doctor. There are different types of the artificial lens. The doctor will discuss and inform about the options, before surgery.
Cataract surgeries usually take less than an hour. The patient will be awake during the whole procedure. Medications will be given by the doctor to numb the pain. So, you won’t feel any pain throughout the surgery. In case the patient has cataract in both the eyes, separate surgeries will be performed, a few weeks apart.
Let’s look at some post cataract surgery care advice.
Cataract Surgery After Care
Once the surgery is done, the patient will be discharged on the same day after observation. You might need someone to drive you back home. After Surgery, eyes feel itchy or sore for a few days. There can be times when the eye starts tearing up or gets sensitive to bright lights. But these discomforts will last for a few days and will get better with the recovery.
The doctor will prescribe eye drops to apply after surgery, in order to avoid eye infections. Eye shields are recommended by doctors for the first week while sleeping. The doctor may also suggest you to wear an eye patch or protective shield after surgery. This is done to ensure the eye is protected and takes its time to heal properly. Usually, it takes a few weeks for vision to return back properly.
Follow up eye check ups will be scheduled on a regular basis. The patient will need to visit the doctor after one or two days of the surgery and then weekly. Gradually the follow ups will be shifted to monthly check ups. This will be done to ensure there are no complications from the surgery.
Post cataract surgery precautions
Post Surgery, the patient can resume their daily life activities after 24 hours. But there are some precautionary measures that should be followed.
- Avoid Strenuous activities for a week. Consult your doctor before planning for any dangerous activity in future.
- Do not go swimming or other water sports activities.
- Do not partake in any heavy lifting activities.
- Avoid wearing makeup or fragrances.
- Refrain from rubbing or scratching your eyes.
- Wear eye shield while sleeping as prescribed by your doctor
- Avoid driving after the surgery. Ask your doctor, from when you can resume driving.
- Use eye drops as instructed by the doctor.
- Always wear sunglasses before going outside to protect your eyes.
- Avoid cleaning or dusting and stay away from the irritants.
These are some important tips to follow after the surgery. While any kind of complication is very rare in cataract surgeries, be alert of any kind of problem. Look out for following symptoms after the surgery:
- Loss in vision
- Obstruction of Vision
- Severe pain despite taking over-the-counter pain medications
- Nausea or vomiting
- Redness in the eye
- Flashes of lights or floaters in the eye
If you notice any of these symptoms, consult your doctor immediately.
Recovery time for cataract
The discomforts will go away in a few days. Sometimes, people can see clearly immediately after the surgery. But generally it takes a few weeks before you get back your vision. The patient may return to work in a few days after surgery but it is strictly recommended to not do any strenuous activities right after. Doctors suggest taking rest for a few days to let the eye heal.
After 8 weeks of the surgery, your eye should be completely healed and your vision will be recovered. But the vision will not be fully perfect. You will need to visit the doctor and discuss the further steps. Generally, glasses or contact lenses will be prescribed by the doctor.
Post cataract surgery it’s very important to follow all the precautions advised by the doctor. Never miss out on any follow up check ups.
