Even though your cataract surgery will be done as an outpatient, you might feel anxious as the time approaches. Any type of surgery on your body is worth being concerned about. Soon after the surgery, your vision will be much improved, so stay focused on the positive outcome of this procedure. Here is what you can expect during and after the surgery.
Before Your Surgery
Ask a friend or relative to help you on the day of your surgery. You shouldn't drive after the surgery, so have the person take you to your appointment and back home after the surgery. You'll want to rest once you get back home, so having someone help with the simple tasks around the house, and preparing your evening meal, will be appreciated.
The Day of the Surgery
The doctor or assistant will have you relax in a comfortable chair that reclines slightly. Your doctor will use a microscope to look into your eye as the cataract is removed. Before beginning the procedure, they will put drops in your eye to anesthetize it and to dilate the pupil. The dilation will make you be sensitive to light which is why driving after the procedure is not a good idea.
With your eye numbed and dilated, the doctor will make a small incision in your pupil to access the cloudy lens. If possible, they will break the lens up into little pieces and remove it bit by bit. For an advanced cataract, the lens may be to hard to remove in pieces. In that case, a larger incision is made and the lens is removed in one piece.
An artificial lens is then put into the space left by removing the cloudy lens. A small incision will heal on its own, but if a larger incision was needed, the doctor will put in a stitch or two to make sure it heals properly.
After the procedure, you'll rest in a quiet room for several minutes and your doctor will check on your frequently. Once they are satisfied that you're having no reactions to the surgery, you'll be able to go home.
What To Expect After the Surgery
Your eye may ache for a few days after the surgery. Over the counter anti-inflammatory and pain medication, such as ibuprofen, will be enough to reduce the discomfort. If your eye begins to itch while it heals, your doctor may have you wear a bandage over the eye for a few days to keep you from rubbing it.
In the next few days, you'll start to see the improved vision through the unobstructed artificial lens. Your doctor will have you check in periodically and report on any changes in your eyesight. You'll soon have clear, focused vision once again with the cataract removed. If you have any concerns regarding the procedure, contact a local specialist, such as The Eye Center.
Share26 October 2015
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