How Long Does Cataract Surgery Take?
Cataract surgery is used to treat cataracts where changes in the eye’s lens cause cloudy, blurry, misty, or double vision. Cataract surgery is typically straightforward and takes 10 to 20 minutes to complete. As it’s performed as day surgery, there’s no need to stay overnight at the hospital, but someone must drive you home afterward. Your eye doctor will give you specific instructions regarding post-surgery care. For instance, they may recommend wearing an eye shield and using drops. This guide will discuss each step of this surgery and how long cataract surgery takes.
Preparation for Cataract Surgery
Your eye doctor will conduct tests to ascertain whether cataract surgery is necessary and ask about your lifestyle and medical history, including any conditions that could influence its success. They’ll then recommend which IOL type would best meet your needs.
Anesthesia
Most cataract surgeries can be performed outpatient, although those suffering from claustrophobia, movement disorders, or any kind of anxiety may require general anesthesia for optimal results. In general, however, cataract surgery procedures are painless; before commencing with surgery, your medical team will wash around your eye and dilate (widen) its pupil with drops; they’ll also give medicine to make you sleepy, as well as eye drops that numb the area around it.
Instruments Used
During surgery, your eye surgeon will use an instrument to make small incisions (cuts) on the edge of your cornea with either a blade or laser and tiny incisions will be made to cut along its edge. They’ll use small instruments to break apart and remove the clouded lens before implanting an artificial one.
What To Do After The Surgery?
Surgery usually lasts less than an hour and is virtually pain-free; however, you must arrange for someone to drive you home as you won’t be able to drive while your eye heals. After surgery and during recovery, avoid swimming and sleeping with one eye open, as any direct pressure on it could dislodge an implant. Make sure you get the recommended diet after the surgery.
Cataract Surgery Procedure
A cataract operation is a fast and straightforward outpatient procedure that replaces your cloudy natural lens with an artificial lens to improve vision by focusing light onto the back of the eye. Before your operation begins, various intraocular lenses (IOLs) will be available to select from. Your doctor can discuss all available choices and help you choose one that best meets your needs.
Your eye will be numbed using drops or injections before being examined under a special microscope by a surgeon who uses tiny incisions near the edge of your cornea so they can reach your lens and break apart your cataract using ultrasound waves sent out from a probe to break it up and suction out afterward, closing any small incisions with sutures before closing them up with sutures.
A doctor will then switch out your natural lens with an artificial one and fit you with an intraocular lens (IOL), which corrects both distance and reading vision. After surgery, most people require reading glasses, though these typically won’t be as powerful.
You should expect to return to your usual activities within several days; in any event, as directed by your doctor, avoid driving or any strenuous physical activities until your vision returns.
Recover From Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery typically lasts 10 – 20 minutes, and you should return home the same day. Your surgeon will make a small cut in front of your eye to access your pupil, use a tool to break it apart, and then extract your cataract through this same tiny cut before replacing your natural lens with an artificial one that should improve both distance and near vision.
Recovery Tips
Your vision may take several days to improve and appear blurry at first. However, it’s essential to use eye drops according to your doctor’s orders and remain active – strenuous activities increase eye pressure, so it may take more than a few days before this begins to improve.
Once your doctor gives the go-ahead, you can return to work and gentle exercise, including work-related tasks and gentle cardio workouts. Swimming should also be avoided as this increases the risk of water entering the eye and potentially leading to infection.
Follow-Up Routine After The Treatment
Cataract surgery is generally safe; however, your eye doctor will discuss any risks before the operation occurs. As soon as you leave the hospital after eye surgery, a protective pad or plastic shield will likely be placed over it to promote healing. Once removed, this will prevent any irritants from coming in contact with it, and your vision should begin improving within hours or up to six weeks post-surgery.
As part of cataract surgery, your natural lens is replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). Once implanted, this IOL won’t be visible or feelable; most patients opt for one that provides near/distance vision – usually an accommodating lens – such as an accommodative IOL. You and your eye doctor can discuss all available IOL types before selecting one to meet your needs.
How Often Should You Make a Follow-up Appointment?
After having cataract surgery, you must attend follow-up appointments so your eye doctor can monitor your recovery and detect any complications. If any severe pain, increased redness, or other issues arise with your eyes or vision, you notify them immediately and are monitored closely by their team of physicians. It would help if you also refrained from engaging in activities that put undue strain on them until they can continue such activities.
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Conclusion
Cataract surgery is a quick and straightforward procedure that significantly improves vision by replacing the natural, cloudy lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). It can be performed on both eyes. Post-surgery care is crucial, including using prescribed eye drops and avoiding activities that could strain the eyes or introduce contaminants.
Call Bagan Strinden Vision For Cataract Surgery
Experience top-quality eye care with Bagan Strinden Vision! From glaucoma treatment and general eye care to eyelid procedures, laser eye surgery, and cataract surgery, we are dedicated to preserving and enhancing your vision. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and see the world more clearly!
