The vision changes that occur due to a cloudy cataract can seriously affect a person’s quality of life. Fortunately, cataract surgery can restore clear vision and eliminate many cataract symptoms.
During cataract surgery, your cataract surgeon removes your natural lens where the cataract is and replaces it with an artificial lens. Cataract surgery is a relatively quick procedure with a fast recovery time.
Beyond restoring your vision, cataract surgeon can improve your quality of life. Keep reading to learn more about what you need to know about cataract surgery!
What Will My Vision Be Like After Cataract Surgery?
Which IOL you choose to replace your natural lens will largely affect your vision after cataract surgery. However, other eye conditions may also affect your visual outcome.
Although cataract surgery can improve blurry vision related to cataracts, it will not improve vision affected by other eye conditions.
Eye conditions that may affect the quality of vision after cataract surgery include:
- Glaucoma
- Corneal scarring
- Macular degeneration
- Macular wrinkling or scarring
When deciding on an IOL to replace your natural lens during cataract surgery, you will have to choose between a standard IOL and a premium IOL.
Although they are more expensive, a premium lens will allow you to experience greater dependence on visual aids after cataract surgery. Your eye doctor at Stahl Eyecare Experts in Garden City, New York, will help you determine the best IOL for you, depending on your vision goals, lifestyle, and budget.
What Happens Before Cataract Surgery?
Before you can schedule cataract surgery, you will need to visit your eye doctor for a cataract evaluation. During this visit, your eye doctor will perform various tests and acquire measurements of your eyes.
Before your eye doctor schedules you for cataract surgery, they will want to make sure it is the right time for you to have this procedure. Your eye doctor will perform a thorough evaluation of your eyes, including looking at your eyes under a microscope called a slit lamp.
Along with your reported symptoms, these tests will help your eye doctor determine if it is time for you to have cataract surgery. If you are taking medications or if you have certain health conditions, you may be given specific instructions before the surgery.
What Happens During Cataract Surgery?
To implant the artificial lens, your cataract surgeon doctor has to make an incision in the cornea, the clear dome-shaped tissue at the front of your eye. Before this, they will use an anesthetic eye drop to numb the surface of your eye.
Once they have made the incision, they will use special tools and equipment to break up and remove the clouded lens from your eye. Next, they will position the new artificial lens.
Once the new lens is in place, the surgery is complete. Typically, cataract surgeons perform cataract surgery one eye at a time.
Once you have mostly healed from cataract surgery on your first eye, you will return to have cataract surgery on the other eye. Recovery from cataract surgery is often relatively quick and easy.
What Happens After Cataract Surgery?
Your eye doctor will require you to arrange a ride home with a friend or family after the procedure. You will also be given a list of instructions to follow during recovery.
It is essential that you follow these instructions closely in order to avoid any possible complications. Your cataract surgeon may also prescribe you eye drops to help aid your eyes in recovery.
It is important that you use these eyedrops as instructed to ensure that your eyes are able to heal properly. Fortunately, recovery from cataract surgery is very straightforward for most patients.
Learn more about if Cataract Surgery is right for you by taking our free online self-test!
Do you want more information about cataract surgery and recovery? Schedule a cataract evaluation at Stahl Eyecare Experts in Garden City, New York, today!
