The eyes have a clear natural lens which may get cloudy as you get older or due to certain diseases, use of certain medications, and trauma. Most of the time, cataracts develop gradually, and you can hardly notice any changes in your eyesight. However, cataracts can result in symptoms such as blurry visions and glare around lights with time. You may find it difficult to read under low light, and if left untreated, cataracts can result in loss of sight. If cataracts interfere with your daily activities, such as driving, it might be time to consider cataract surgery in Jacksonville to replace your natural lens with an artificial one.
Preparing for cataracts surgery
Like any other surgery, you need to discuss with your specialist to understand what the procedure entails and the risks it poses. An initial consultation also helps you know what to do and not to do before surgery. For example, you need to stop taking anti-inflammatory meds such as aspirin since they could make you bleed excessively during the procedure. You may also need to refrain from eating or drinking at least 12 hours before cataract surgery.
Inform your doctor of all the medications you are taking because some used in treatment for prostate cancer can interfere with surgery. Your ophthalmologist may prescribe an antibiotic eye drop two days before surgery to reduce your risk of infection.
What are the risks of cataract surgery?
Patients hardly develop complications after cataract surgery, and if they do, the problems are treated successfully. Examples of the risks associated with this procedure include bleeding, inflammation, drooping eyelids, infection, glaucoma, loss of vision, swelling, retinal detachment, and secondary cataracts. You can quickly get an eye infection after surgery if you have an underlying eye problem such as macular degeneration before the procedure. For this reason, you must undergo eye tests to treat any other issue before scheduling surgery.
How is cataract surgery done?
Surgery is usually an outpatient procedure, which generally takes approximately an hour or less. First, you get eye drops to dilate your pupil before the doctor desensitizes the treatment area with local anesthesia. Your healthcare provider may give you a sedative to make you calm during the procedure. The surgeon may use one of the two different approaches to replace your eye lens. The first one is using an ultrasound probe, and the second is making an eye incision.
After surgery
You may need to wear an eye patch after surgery for a few days during your recovery period and a protective shield as you sleep. Your doctor may prescribe some antibiotics, and eye drops to prevent infection and reduce inflammation. Your doctor may recommend glasses later after your eyes have healed enough. Soon after surgery, your vision may still be blurry, but it gets clearer as you heal. Colors may appear brighter than usual because you see through a new lens. Expect some itching and mild discomfort for a few days but don’t rub your eyes.
You may need to visit your doctor for monitoring two days after surgery, a week after your first visit, and again after a month.
Don’t let vision problems diminish your productivity. Consult with your specialist today at Wolchok Eye Associates, PA, to learn whether you can benefit from cataracts surgery.
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