A cataract is a condition that refers to the clouding of the eye’s lens due to a build-up of protein fibers over time. Though cataracts cause your vision to deteriorate as they develop, they do not affect the health of your eye. Here are some frequently asked Questions about Cataracts.
Are There Different Kinds of Cataract Surgery?
Yes, there are different methods to complete this surgery depending on the lens replacement, the technology used, and the health of the eye that is undergoing surgery.
Does Cataract Surgery Hurt?
There will be little to no discomfort during the procedure. While you will be awake during the procedure, there are steps taken so that you don’t feel any pain. You are usually given a mild sedative to help you relax, and then numbing eye drops are used in the eye to prevent discomfort. After medications wear off after surgery, you may find some minor eye discomfort. This pain is mild, and you can manage it with over-the-counter pain medication.
How Long Does It Take to Recover from Cataract Surgery?
Cataract Surgery has a short recovery period. Any discomfort or soreness you feel should disappear within a few days. During this time, you want to be sure to follow the after-surgery instructions and do the follow-up visits with your doctor.
How Do You Prepare for Successful Recovery after Cataract Surgery?
Immediately following surgery your vision will be limited so you should have a family member or friend drive you home. Since your eyes need to heal after surgery your doctor may suggest that you avoid any physical activities as well as swimming pools, hot tubs, and saunas for a week following surgery. Your doctor will have follow-up appointments to ensure your eye is healing properly. Have your eye doctor’s number handy if you notice changes in your vision, no reduction in swelling or redness, increasing eye pain, discharge from your eye, or strange flashes of light in your vision.
Can You Exercise after Cataract Surgery?
You should refrain from any strenuous physical activity for at least a week following surgery. Activities that can increase the pressure in your eye could increase the risk of developing complications. Follow your doctor's instructions regarding exercise post-surgery.
Do You Need to Have Your Glasses Prescription Updated after Surgery?
If you choose the standard cataract surgery using an intraocular lens then you will likely still need reading glasses or an updated prescription following surgery. There are also cataract surgery options that can eliminate or reduce your need for glasses. For example, you can get cataract surgery with multifocal or trifocal IOLs that can enable you to be glasses-free.
Can I Customize My Eye Sight With Cataract Surgery?
While discussing IOL implant options with your doctor before Cataract surgery can help you make the right decision in achieving your best possible, the Light Adjustable Lens is the only IOL that enables you and your doctor to design, trial, and customize your vision after cataract surgery.
Do I Have To Receive An Implant Or Can I Just Have My Cataract Removed?
Yes, everyone must select an implant prior to their procedure. During cataract surgery, the natural clouded lens of the eye is removed. It is then replaced with an intraocular lens (IOL) that will mimic the eyes' natural focusing power giving you the ability to see clearly again.
Can You Have Cataract Surgery in Both Eyes at the Same Time?
Cataract surgery will usually be performed on one eye and then one to two weeks later performed on the second eye. This will allow the first eye to recover and your vision to stabilize before the procedure on the second eye.
