Cataract surgery is a procedure in which the lens of the eye is replaced with an artificial lens. In this article, the commonest concern of what can you expect after a cataract surgery is discussed.
What Can You Expect After A Cataract Surgery?
A cataract leads to haziness in the lens which affects the vision. The cataract surgery is performed by an ophthalmologist and is done generally on an outpatient basis. The patient doesn’t need to stay in the hospital after the surgery. Cataract surgery is a very common and a safe procedure. While the procedure is simple, proper after care helps in quicker recovery. So, what can you expect after a cataract surgery? Here is a guide that gives you all the details about recovering after a cataract surgery.
After the surgery is completed, the doctor prescribes eye drops and other medications to prevent infection and also to reduce inflammation and control eye pressure. The patient is advised to give rest to the eyes and take a nap. The patient might experience an imbalance in the vision as the surgery can be performed only in one eye at a time. This continues till the second eye is operated.
Immediately after the surgery the patient experience blurry vision which gradually improves. The eyes might feel slightly itchy and the doctor might ask you to wear an eye patch to prevent you from rubbing eyes at night. This discomfort also goes away after a few days. After the surgery, watching television or using a computer screen, that too for a very short interval may be allowed. Ideally, taking complete rest helps in faster recovery, so giving rest to your eyes is one of the main things from what you can expect after a cataract surgery.
People have their own healing time and accordingly will experience a gradual recovery of the eye. The adjustment of vision might take a few months’ time after the surgery is performed. Following medical advice and appropriately using the eye drops given, is necessary.
Post-Cataract Procedure Guidelines
An important part of what you can expect after a cataract surgery is the recovery and time needed to resume back to your routine. Most of the people resume their normal activities within 24 hours. There are few guidelines which they need to follow to prevent any kind of post-surgery complications.
- Avoid doing strenuous activity, heavy weight lifting, or rigorous exercise for a few weeks.
- Avoid driving till the doctor advises to resume it.
- Be regular with the antibiotics prescribed and the eye drops given as they are helpful in preventing any kind of infection and inflammation in the eye after the surgery.
- Avoid going to dusty areas, as the eyes might be very sensitive post procedure and might get infected.
- Do not go for swimming and avoids hot tubs for a week after the surgery.
- Do not wear makeup.
- Do not rub the eyes as it is a quick way of getting infected.
What Can You Expect After A Cataract Surgery? – Risks
Complications or risks after a cataract surgery are very rare and if present can be treated easily. The risk is greater in patients suffering from any other eye disease such as glaucoma or macular degeneration. Some people with other medical conditions, like diabetes, may require more healing time. They may be given medications accordingly, to help in better healing.
Some possible risks that you can expect after a cataract surgery include
- Infection
- Inflammation
- Bleeding
- Swelling
- Drooping eyelid
- Dislocation of lens
- Secondary cataract
- Loss of vision
- Retinal detachment
What Can You Expect After A Cataract Surgery? – Alarming Signs
Never delay contacting your ophthalmologist if any of the below symptoms persist, such as:
- Vision loss
- Increased redness of the eye
- Persisting pain in the eye in spite of using the painkillers
- Light flashes and floaters (multiple new spots) in front of the eye.
Cataract surgery is successful in restoring the vision in majority of the patients who get the procedure done. It is very necessary to have the knowledge of the post-procedure handling to avoid any unnecessary complication. Know what you can expect after a cataract surgery helps a great deal and following medical advice ensures proper treatment and healing.
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