Cataract Surgery
What is a Cataract Surgery?
Cataract surgery is an operation to remove your eye’s lens when it is cloudy. Having a cataract can be like looking through a foggy or dusty car windshield. Things may look blurry, hazy or less colourful.
The only way to remove a cataract is with surgery. the ophthalmologist will recommend removing a cataract when it keeps you from doing things you want or needs to do. During cataract surgery, your cloudy natural lens is removed and replaced with a clear artificial lens. That lens is called an intraocular lens (IOL).
What Are the Side Effects?
Side effects are rare from cataract surgery, but some things that could happen are:
- Eye infection or swelling
- Bleeding
- Retinal detachment — the breaking away of a layer of tissue at the back of your eye that senses light
- Drooping eyelid
A temporary rise in eye pressure 12-24 hours after surgery
After Surgery
For a few days after surgery, your eye may itch or feel sore. During this time, you may also have some tearing and find it hard to see well in bright light.
Doctor will give you eye drops to prevent infection. You’ll need to take it easy for a few days. Driving will be off-limits, and you shouldn’t bend over, pick up heavy things, or put any pressure on your eye.
For the first week, Doctor will likely suggest you wear an eye shield while you sleep. This protects the site of your surgery so your eye can heal. If you’re in pain or you feel your eye isn’t healing like it should tell doctor right away.
After 8 weeks, your eye should be fully healed. About 90% of people see better after cataract surgery. But don’t expect your vision to be perfect. You may still need to wear glasses or contacts.