Eye Cataract Surgery

Posted by Kaira Turner on March 1st, 2023

Cataracts occur when the lens of your eye becomes hazy. When we are young, our lenses usually are transparent which allows us to see through them quite clearly. As we age, they can become clouded and begin to impede our vision.

Cataracts most typically affect individuals as they age. Cataract surgery replaces your eye's clouded lens with an artificial lens and has a high success rate in improving vision. Due to the typical age demographic of this surgery, it may take patients 2 to 6 weeks to recover entirely from the surgery.

If you have cataracts, you can choose whether or not you want to get cataract surgery. Nonetheless, it is vital to understand that cataracts can gradually worsen, and it is highly recommended that you get cataract surgery or Lasik eye surgery Illinois if your vision becomes severely impaired.

Who Should Undergo Surgery?

If you have a cataract, it may not always necessitate surgery, and you might not notice any difference in your vision. Some people can see quite well even with cataracts if they wear prescription glasses, use a magnifying lens, or utilize brighter lighting.

You may have blurred or hazy vision and notice double vision as you look at objects through the cataract-affected eye. These issues can make it difficult to read, work on a computer, or do anything else that requires clear vision.

You may develop poor night vision and find it challenging to drive during the nighttime and you may also be susceptible to headlight glare. Advanced cataracts can cause some people to fail the visual portion of their driver's test.

Cataracts can also make you more susceptible to sunlight glare. A halo may appear surrounding bright lights which may prevent you from spending as much time outside as you want. It also makes it more challenging to participate in outdoor activities such as sports and picnics.

If you experience any of these symptoms, you may require cataract surgery. Even if your cataract is not bothering you, you may require surgery because of the risk of advancement.

If the cataract is large enough to clog up the interior of your eye, this can lead to increased pressure which causes discomfort and your doctor may recommend cataract surgery. Untreated cataracts will eventually prevent light from entering the eye, resulting in vision loss and cataracts are the most significant cause of blindness.

Advantages of Cataract Surgery

Brighter Color Perception

The eye ages with us as we grow older and can affect far-range and close vision, but the color spectra of the eye generally remain intact. With cataracts, however, the patient frequently does not realize how much of the color spectrum they have lost until after surgery.

As a result, many patients report seeing a considerably brighter and more beautiful variety of colors after recovery. A cataract lens is frequently yellow or brown in hue, which distorts the patient's perception of color until it is replaced with a new, clear lens.

Avert Further Complications

When your eye doctor recommends surgery, it's crucial to examine the overall benefit to your eye health. Many individuals with untreated cataracts have a rise in inflammation within their eyes. If the cataracts are left untreated for too long, they can progress into a stage known as "hyper-mature."

The procedure can still be performed at this stage of cataracts, but there is a more considerable risk of complications. This is why it is critical to consult with your eye doctor as soon as you see any of the signs of cataracts.

What Are the Consequences of Cataract Surgery?

After cataract surgery, your eyes may feel irritated and sensitive to light, but this is a typical post-surgery symptom and will likely go away within a day or two. You will be prescribed pharmaceutical eye drops to aid recovery and avoid infection. Your doctor will advise you not to drive or wipe your eyes following surgery as this can lead to further risk of irritation and worsen light sensitivity.

Every procedure has some level of risk. Cataract surgery, fortunately, is quite successful, with a 98% success rate.

FAQs

How is cataract surgery carried out?

During the surgery, a small incision is created along the side of the cornea. Through this incision, the cloudy lens is extracted and replaced with a new and clear artificial lens.

The incision made is so small that it will heal without the need for stitches. Traditional cataract surgery involves an eye cataract surgeon near me making incisions with a tiny blade; while laser-assisted cataract surgery involves your surgeon making incisions with a laser.

Can you feel anything during the surgery?

You will not feel any kind of pain during surgery as doctors will administer a local anesthetic in the form of numbing eye drops before the surgery to help you feel more comfortable and avoid any discomfort during the procedure.

If you are feeling nervous or jittery then your doctor may recommend a light sedative to help you relax. Further medicine may be used depending on the patient and the kind of treatment.

On the first day, you may have a scratchy sensation or minor pain in your eye as the drugs wear off. Over-the-counter pain medications can be utilized to treat post-surgery discomfort, and your doctor may prescribe more potent pain relievers if required.

How long does it take to get cataract surgery?

Cataract surgery is usually an outpatient treatment, which means you don't have to be admitted to the hospital and can leave the same day. The procedure takes 10 to 15 minutes, but you'll be there for two or three hours, giving you enough time to prepare for surgery and recover afterward.

How long does it usually take to recover from cataract surgery?

In most cases, it can take up to two to three months to recover from cataract surgery and for your eyesight to become clear. You may still require eyeglasses if you are still experiencing residual sight issues unrelated to cataracts. Your glaucoma specialist Chicago will be tracking your progress and healing which can help determine what the next steps should be.

Is insurance going to cover cataract surgery?

Insurance covers traditional cataract surgery and cross-linking that correct either farsightedness or nearsightedness. Other lens alternatives are not covered and must be paid out of pocket. Laser-assisted surgery costs ,000 per eye and is not usually covered by insurance companies.