Cataract Surgery and its Recovery Period

As we grow old, our vision becomes weaker. Different people have different types of eye problems and improper vision. One of the most popular eye problems is the cataract problem. During cataract, the lens in the eyes becomes clouded and the vision becomes very hazy making it

difficult for the person to see, read and write. Cataract surgery is the removal of this clouded lens from the eyes.

Cataract is a main concern in the US as one out of every seven people is a victim of blindness caused due to cataract. Most of the cataract patients are 45 and above, but this affects children and also babies at the time of birth.

The cataract is removed with the help of cataract surgery, which is one of the most common, and safest type of surgery. Do you know that three million types of cataract surgery is performed every year in the US alone?

For those who cannot see properly due to the clouded vision can go for a cataract surgery. Sedatives help the patient to relax and local anesthesia is given to make the procedure painless. The natural lens is removed and an artificial lens, called the intraocular lens, is placed for good vision. It is very important to follow the instructions given by your ophthalmologist and use the eye drops as per the doctor’s suggestion.

The recovery period ranges from 15 days to one month. Different types of eye drops are used during the recovery period–one to control the postoperative inflammation inside the eye and another to control the pressure of the new lens. An eye shield is provided to the patient to avoid bumping or scratching of the eye for a week’s time that is to be worn even during sleep.

A pair of sunglasses preferably with high level UVA/UVB protection is given to the patient to protect the eyes from sunlight and other glaring lights as the eyes are very sensitive during this period.

It is also best to avoid eye makeup during this recovery period to prevent infection. One should also avoid taking shower for the first few days and make sure that water does enter the eye. Although the patients may feel some irritation or itchiness in the eye, they should just ignore as it passes with time. However, if it persists consult it is best to consult the doctor immediately.

Strenuous exercises, lifting heavy objects, aerobics puts pressure to the eyes so it is better to avoid such activities during the healing process for the first two weeks.

The doctor generally checks up the patient three to four times after the surgery to make sure the surgery is fine and the patient is healing well. Eyeglasses are recommended for some, while some get their vision corrected and may have to change their eyewear.

After recovering from the surgery, the patient should make it a point to check their eyes regularly at least once in every two years. Like any other surgery even cataract, surgery also has its own complications but the patients can have a safe surgery and good vision provided they follow the ophthalmologist’s advice during their recovery period.

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