If you’ve been advised that you need a cataract surgery procedure, you’ll likely have a lot of questions about the surgery and what it involves.
To help you make an informed choice about cataract surgery, here are some answers to common questions about cataract surgery.
What is a cataract?
A cataract is when the lens in the eye becomes cloudy. As the cataract progresses your vision will become blurred, and it may seem as if you’re looking through fog or frosted glass.
What causes cataracts?
There are a number of possible causes of cataracts, including:
- Aging
- Another medical condition
- Injury to the eye.
How can cataracts be treated?
Currently, surgery is the only way to treat a cataract. If the cataract is left untreated, your vision will keep getting worse and worse, and you may become blind in the eye with the cataract.
If you have cataracts in both eyes, normally one eye will be operated on at a time. This allows the first eye to heal before you have surgery on the other.
What happens during cataract surgery?
Cataract surgery is a relatively straightforward procedure. It takes less than an hour, and most patients feel little to no pain. You will remain awake for the whole procedure.
First, the surgeon will numb your eye with a local anesthetic. Then, he or she will make a small incision in your eye. This gives the surgeon access to the lens of your eye, which will be broken up into small pieces using a special instrument. The old lens will then be removed, and an artificial replacement will be inserted.
Will I have to stay overnight after a cataract surgery procedure?
No. The whole procedure takes less than an hour. You may have to wait in the clinic for a short while after the surgery so that the doctor can assess whether there have been any complications. Once the doctor gives you the all clear, you can head home.
You should get someone to pick you up to take you home after the surgery since you won’t be able to drive. If needed, you should also think about whether you need extra help at home for the first few days after the surgery.
What is the recovery from cataract surgery like?
Your eye may be itchy or sore for the first couple of days after the surgery. Your eye may also water more than usual, and you may be extra sensitive to bright lights.
You should avoid driving. Try not to strain your eye too much so that your eye heals properly. Normally, your eye will take around 4 to 6 weeks to fully heal.
Can I get cataracts again?
No. Once you have a cataract surgery procedure your cataracts will not return.