Posted by Cataract surgery has been gaining more recommendation recently in medical centers for people with different eye diseases. Unless you are unfamiliar with the medical world, this should not be the first time you hear about the procedure.
Indeed, many people have heard about cataract surgery, But not many know about its efficacy. Maybe you should also answer this honest question: how much do you know about cataract surgery? I know you are not a medical doctor, but it is essential that you know certain things about it, especially if you have issues with your sight or have already been diagnosed with cataracts.
Before diving into the ocean of facts, I deem it necessary first to explain the subject matter.
What are cataracts?
Cataracts are eye infections that cause the lens to become clouded, reducing the patient’s vision. Cataracts are different from glaucoma. The latter, instead, affects the optic nerve, and it is not curable. The good news about cataracts is that you can treat them and have perfect vision after having impaired vision.
Cataract surgery is the procedure used to eliminate different levels of damage to the lens of the affected eye. Certified ophthalmologists in approved medical centers can perform it. Note that experience count when choosing your cataract surgeon. You may have to look for recommendations before making your choice.
Having known what the problems are, what else? Read on to learn invaluable facts about cataract surgery.
Best 8 Facts About Cataracts Surgery
1. Cataracts surgery changes the lens
Cataract surgery involves replacing the impaired lens with an artificial one. We have learned earlier that cataract affects the lens and consequently cloud the patient’s vision. So, the only magic in the procedure is to remove and replace the affected lens with a healthy but artificial one. The synthetic implant is also known as an Intraocular lens (IOL). This lens stays in the eyes permanently after the surgery, but it restores the vision to the initial perfect state in no time.
If you have thought cataract surgery is meant to repair the affected lens and restores it, you have misinformation. Meanwhile, you don’t have anything to worry about. the artificial lens doesn’t come with any inconveniences or discomfort. The Intraocular lens is not like a contact lens. You don’t have any reason to remove it for updates or renewal at any time. Once installed, it stays in place forever, giving you a perfect vision all along.
2. Cataracts surgery gives you a perfect vision
Cataract patients may have issues with reading, driving, and many other activities that have to do with the concentration of the eyes, whether during the day or night. Cataracts may cause you to see a double vision or see every object from a yellow or brown perspective. In a nutshell, cataracts affect your vision. But, after undergoing cataract surgery, you get perfect vision. Every image becomes sharper, clearer, and better.
3. An eye doctor only performs cataract surgery
Eye doctors are called ophthalmologists. Mind you; the distinction is not only in the name. Ophthalmologists are the categories of doctors specializing in treating any disease associated with the eyes. They function as a physician and surgeon. By implication, they have the adequate training to care for the eyes with medications and surgery according to the situation demands.
Any doctor not specializing in eye care is not permitted to conduct a cataract procedure. No matter his experience in the medical field, he cannot conduct the procedure unless he is trained as an ophthalmologist. Hence, you must ask the surgeon’s his certificate and license to confirm he’s up to the task.
4. Doctors make incisions during a cataract surgery
Earlier in this article, you have learned that cataract surgery involves the removal of the affected lens and the replacement of a new one. But do you know how that is done? It is by incision. During regular cataract surgery, your surgeon would have to make an incision to insert the artificial lens for better vision. Meanwhile, you don’t have to panic. Your doctor will perform the incision without you knowing it. Before the procedure, he would have first applied anesthetic eye drops to keep your eyes stable throughout the procedure. He would also administer some sedatives to calm your nerves.
5. Cataracts surgery is available in two types
What is the first thing that comes to your mind about cataract surgery? A laser-assisted procedure? Yes, that’s the most common option. However, you need to know that there is a traditional method that operates without a laser. That option is not popular because it takes a longer incision to break up the lens.
6. Cataracts surgery has risks
Cataract surgery is unarguably a sure solution to eliminating cataracts. But, as much as the procedure is highly effective, it can also come with some risks. Though these complications are infrequent, they can be severe. A few complications that can come with cataract surgery include glaucoma, postoperative infection, retinal tear, scarring of eye tissue, and other vision problems. Note the complications above are not compulsorily bound to happen. They can only come as a result of improper treatment after the surgery.
7. You may experience minor discomfort after cataract surgery
Of course, your doctor would administer anesthesia to relax your nerves to keep you calm throughout the procedure session. Yet, you may feel a little discomfort after the surgery. Majorly, cataract patients experience minor itchiness, sensitivity, or another eye discomfort within the first few hours after the procedure. The good news is that they will automatically disappear after a few weeks.
8. It takes a few months to recover from cataract surgery fully
You might be expecting a perfect vision just immediately after cataract surgery. It is good to be hopeful, but it doesn’t work that way. People get perfect vision after a cataract procedure, but it takes a few months. Slight vision improvements may occur after two weeks, but the actual result you are waiting for would come after ten weeks.
Final Words
Cataract surgery corrects your every vision imperfection. But, sometimes, it comes with some risks. This article aims to keep you updated and prepared for your coming cataract surgery and avoid the possible complications that may erupt after the surgery.