During cataract surgery, your cloudy lens is typically replaced with an artificial lens. Normally, the lens of your eye is translucent. Vision gradually becomes impaired by the cataract-induced lens cloudiness. Cataract surgery is performed as an outpatient treatment. It is fairly common, although all surgeries have risks to discuss with your doctor.
Why Do You Need Cataract Surgery?
If you have cataracts, your vision may become fuzzy, and light glare may be more obvious. Your primary care physician might advise cataract surgery if the problem makes it difficult for you to perform daily activities.
Complications From Surgery
After cataract surgery, complications are rare, and most of them can be properly managed. They are important to know and monitor, though. Some of the issues that may occur include the following:
- Inflammation
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Swelling
- An eyelid that looks as if it’s closed
- Displacement of a synthetic lens
- Retinal separation
- Glaucoma
- Additional cataract
- Absence of vision
If you have a major medical condition or another eye illness, your chance of complications is higher. Cataract surgery sometimes fails to restore vision because of underlying eye damage brought on by glaucoma or macular degeneration. Before deciding to have cataract surgery, it may be advantageous to assess and address any underlying eye issues.
Things to Consider When Assessing Your Need for Surgery
Talk with your doctor regarding his recommendation for surgery. In general, is your life style impeded by your vision issue? You might not see surgery as necessary if you can see clearly to work, drive, and complete your everyday tasks.
At any point, if your visual impairment is a problem or your doctor is concerned about additional issues, you may need to consider surgery. Focusing on what the surgery entails and how your life might benefit from impaired vision can ease your nerves. Always listen to your doctor’s recommendations as they are looking out for you and what will be best for you.
Benefits of Cataract Surgery
For most people, cataract surgery is a quick procedure and recovery. You won’t have to worry about the concerns you may have had before the surgery, such as light sensitivity, blurry vision, or possible double vision. Cataract surgery can improve your vision.
The two to three months it takes to fully recover may seem like a long time, but most patients begin to see improvements within 24 – 48 hours. It’s important to keep all follow-up appointments with your doctor to monitor your recovery process.
If you still have concerns about the procedure, talk with family and friends who had cataract surgery. They may be able to answer questions as well.
