Addressing Common Concerns and FAQs About Cataract Surgery

Cataracts can make your vision blurry and affect your ability to enjoy your daily life. You may feel anxious or curious about this common eye condition and how to treat it. Cataracts affect millions of people worldwide, but there is a solution. Cataract surgery can safely and effectively clear your vision and enhance your eye health. 

What Is Cataract Surgery?

Cataract surgery clears your vision by replacing your cloudy lens with a clear artificial one. This artificial lens, or intraocular lens (IOL), matches your eye and vision needs. The surgery is easy and comfortable. You can leave the hospital and be home the same day.

Benefits of Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery can help you in many ways. Some of its benefits include:
 

• Clearer and sharper vision

• Better color perception

• Reduced glare and halos

• Improved night vision

• Reduced dependence on glasses or contact lenses

• Lower risk of eye infections and complications

Risks 

Cataract surgery has some possible dangers and problems, as with any surgery. These include:

 

• Infection

• Bleeding

• Swelling

• Inflammation

• Retinal detachment

• Glaucoma

• Astigmatism

• Dislocation of the IOL

Most of these risks are rare and treatable with medication or additional surgery. 

FAQs

What Should I Do Before Cataract Surgery?

Before cataract surgery, you will have some tests and exams to check your eye health and vision goals. You must stop taking certain medications that may increase bleeding or interfere with healing. Do not eat or drink anything for a few hours before the surgery. You also need someone to take you home after the procedure.

How Long Does the Procedure Last?

Cataract surgery replaces your cloudy lens with a clear artificial one and makes your vision clear. The artificial lens will not develop cataracts or need replacement in the future. However, some people may experience posterior capsule opacification (PCO). 

This occurs when the thin membrane behind the IOL becomes cloudy over time. This can cause blurry vision or glare, like cataracts. PCO is treatable with a quick and painless laser procedure called YAG capsulotomy. 

This involves making a small opening in the membrane to restore clear vision. PCO happens to about one in five people who get cataract surgery and typically shows up within months or years after the surgery.

What Can I Expect After Cataract Surgery?

After surgery, you will get some eye drops and instructions to use at home. Your eyes may feel slightly sore, itchy, or red for a few days. Your eyes may also have trouble seeing clearly or normally as they adjust to the new lenses. 

These symptoms are typical and will improve over time. Do not rub or touch your eyes or do any strenuous activities for a few days or weeks after the surgery. Also, wear sunglasses or protective eyewear outside to protect your eyes from dust, wind, or sunlight.

You must visit your eye doctor for several follow-up appointments to monitor your healing and vision progress. You may also need to update your glasses or contact lenses prescription after the surgery.

Conclusion

Cataract surgery can clear your vision and improve your life. Please get in touch with your eye doctor today if you have more questions about cataract surgery.

For more information on cataract surgery, visit Berris Optical at our office in Rocky River, Ohio. Call 440-571-7100 to book an appointment today.