It's estimated that three million cataract surgeries are done each year in the U.S. But this is likely the one and only time that you'll have it done, so you're a little anxious. This procedure is done in your eye doctor's office, and you'll start to see the benefits of it within a few days of the surgery. Here is how to prepare yourself for an easy and effortless appointment to get your cataracts removed and restore your clear vision.
Arrange to Have a Buddy for the Day
Ask a friend or family member to take you to the appointment and bring you home again. Some of the medication that the ophthalmologist uses in your eye will cause you to be sensitive to light, making driving dangerous. Also ask the person to stay with you for a few hours once you get back home. You'll feel like resting, and having someone close by to help with simple tasks will be an additional comfort.
Before the Surgery
Have a light meal the night before and get plenty of rest. This will help you relax during the procedure. If you're prone to becoming very anxious about medical procedures, ask your eye doctor for something you can take to calm you down before going to the eye clinic.
Cataract Surgery - Quick and Painless
Once you've checked into the doctor's office or clinic, you'll be seated in a comfortable chair that reclines slightly to give the doctor and their assistant better access to your eye. They will put two sets of drops into your eye. One set is a local anesthetic so you'll feel no pain during the procedure. The other drops dilate your eye to help the doctor work on the lens.
A small incision will be made in the tissue covering the lens containing the cataract. A small probe is inserted into the lens to break it up into small pieces for easy removal. The cloudy lens is then removed and replaced with an artificial lens, called an intraocular lens, or IOT. The IOT has some vision correction built into it so you may not need glasses or contacts once the procedure is completed and your eye has healed fully.
Once the artificial lens is in position, your eye is bathed with antibiotic drops to prevent infection, and the procedure is done. The tiny incision heals on its own with no need for a suture to close it.
You'll be taken to a quiet area for a few minutes to recover from the procedure. When the doctor is satisfied that you're having no ill effects from the surgery, your friend or family member can take you home.
Recovering at Home
You'll have a mild ache in your eye for a few days. Your doctor will give you a prescription for pain medication. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, will normally ease the ache. You may also have some mild bruising around the eye and some redness in the eye itself. These will go away in a few days.
As the swelling in your eye goes away, and your vision clears up, you'll begin to see the difference a new lens makes in your vision. You'll follow up with your doctor in a few days to check on your progress. They will have you check in with them in a few weeks, and if they are satisfied with your progress, you'll be ready to have the cataract in your other eye removed.
For more information, contact California Eye Specialists Medical Group Inc. or a similar location.
Share10 December 2015
My name is Natalie Hunter. I am 29 and an elementary teacher. I created this website because I recently discovered something and wanted to share it with others. I had been suffering headaches for the past year that seemed to be gradually growing in severity. I had tried over-the-counter medications, homeopathic remedies and even made appointments with my doctor. I was given a CT scan and tried prescription medications. Finally, the doctor asked if I have had my eyes checked, as eye strain and eye issues can also cause headaches. I made an appointment with an optometrist, received a prescription for eyeglasses and suddenly, my headaches went away. It seems easy, but I had no idea. If you have headaches, I hope my website helps you understand what to expect when visiting an optometrist and how it can help with your headaches.