What to Expect from Cataract Surgery
Cataracts, which is a formation of medium dense and opaque layers in the lens of the eye, is one of the most typical health problems that in some cases limit a patient’s mobility. If the patient has a major part of the vision compromised by cataracts, then the treatment for cataracts involves cataract surgery that can help to regain the vision. However, there is no reason to worry or feel anxious if you or a loved one is planning to undergo this procedure, knowing the things to expect can go a long way in making the procedure a success and recovery process as smooth as possible.
The Cataract Surgery Procedure
Cataract surgery is an easy one that doesn’t require the patient to stay in the hospital and in most cases can take half an hour or less. The cataract surgery cost in Pakistan can vary based on the location and physician’s experience so you should consider your options before going for it. Here’s what you can expect during the surgery:
- Preparation: Prior to surgery you will use eye drops to widen the pupils and local agent to give anesthesia to the ocular region. You may also be given some other medication prior to the treatment to reduce anxiety a bit.
- Removing the Cataract: The surgeon will then have to use a small sharp instrument to cut a slight flap in the front portion of the eye called the cornea and then by using an ultrasonic probe to emulsify the cloudy natural lens.
- Implanting the Intraocular Lens (IOL): Next, the doctor will place an intraocular lens or the IOL since the natural lens cannot be restored after the cataract surgery. It focuses the light onto the retina so as to enable clear vision, this is the basic function of the IOL.
- Closing the Incision: Finally, the surgeon will have to suture the skin, although some sutures are auto-capsular and do not need to be removed after the operation.
After the Surgery
After cataracts have been removed through surgery, you will feel some discomfort and vision changes, which are normal as the eye heals. Here’s what you may experience:Here’s what you may experience:
- Eye Patch or Shield: You may have a small protective dome or eye patch placed over your eye to decrease the risk of accidentally rubbing it on mishap.
- Blurry Vision: It is very common to have hazy or changing vision in the first few days or weeks after your intraocular lens implantation due to the changes in your eyes.
- Eye Drops: Sometimes you will have to apply the prescribed eye drops to avoid infection, treat the inflammation, and for the healing of the ulcer.
- Sensitivity to Light and Glare: Your vision may be a little blurry or take time to accommodate light and glare after surgery for several weeks.
- Discomfort: Although it may be a little uncomfortable such as if one feels the need to scratch the throat and it has a burning feeling, such signs should disappear within the first three days.
Conclusion
As long as one follows the surgeon’s recommendations and prepares appropriately, cataract surgery is an effective way to regain vision and enhance one’s daily life. Learning what to anticipate preoperatively, during the surgery and postoperatively enables you to prepare for cataract surgery and comprehend the healing process. To get cataract surgery in Karachi consult an eye specialist for more details.
