Questions to be answered before a cataract surgery

Traditionally cataract surgery is done when patients experience loss of vision. However, we now have to take into account the subtle changes in vision, like contrast sensitivity and loss of color perception.

You might see colors faded and dull and that you have trouble seeing low-contrast situations during the night. These are such some symptoms that cataracts have on vision and you may want to consider surgical removal.

Does a cataract have to get matured before getting operated on?

There were cases in the past when cataracts had to be removed in one shot. Now we can use ultrasound and laser technology to break cataracts into smaller pieces for removal this means it is better if the lens is softer to aid the fragmentation process. In fact, the length of the patient surgery and recovery are both shorter if the cataracts are immature when it has to be operated on.

How much painful is Cataract Operation

Cataract surgery is painless; most patients describe a small sensation of pressure around the eye. In some cases, you can use local anesthesia using eyedrops or use a small anesthetic block around the eye. Patients have low levels of pain and low levels of light sensitivity post cataract surgery most people claim the operation is easy and do not find the operation painful or distressing. We also have the option of offering patients general anesthetic if the patient wants to go asleep during the cataract surgery procedure.

How long after the cataract surgery does the patient has to wait for driving?

Most patients can drive within 48 hours after a cataract surgery operation. The fact says that the patients can drive within 48 hours if they feel comfortable doing so. It is a good idea to avoid driving long distances in the first week after surgery since the eye may get strained after the surgery.  It is advised to use sunglasses to limit the effects of sensitivity to bright lights and sunlight.

When can I get back to my regular chores like cooking and washing and gardening after a surgical operation?

Most patients can resume normal housework such as cooking and gardening within a few days after having cataract extraction. It is really up to the individual, to take care of avoiding irritating your eye after it has been operated on. It is also recommended not to lift a heavy load and perform vigorous household duties during the first week of a cataract eye operation.

When can I go swimming or gym after a cataract operation?

It is advised to avoid swimming for the first month after surgery to reduce the risks of infection. The problem lies in the fact that pools are often full of viruses and germs which can infect the eye in the immediate postoperative period. Heavy Gym workouts are generally not recommended for the first week. There are no such issues while using the gentle treadmill and walking.

When are the results of cataract surgery are visible?

The visual results of a cataract operation can be experienced immediately after the operation. Not all patients and cataracts are the same; some patients might take longer than others to see the changed results in vision after the operation.

It is to be aware that your vision will tend to fluctuate as the eye heals after the following surgery but it will stabilize within one-month post operation for most of patients. If you have co-existent medical issues like diabetes then there might be delayed healing of the eyes after a cataract operation.

It is witnessed that some people after getting their cataract removed do not wear glasses anymore. How is it possible?

There are many options available to correct Presbyopia during cataract surgery. We now have multifocal intraocular lenses which provide options to correct distance and nearby vision, while the latest lenses trifocal IOLs correct vision at far, intermediate, and near distance. Trifocal IOLs are lenses of choice if your goal is to get rid of glasses as soon as possible. Some patients get rid of their glasses completely with trifocal IOLs. Monovision lenses allow one eye to set for distance vision and the other eye for near vision which is also known as blended monovision. It all depends on your specific needs and the state of your eyes. It is important that you understand the advantages and disadvantages of each option before the surgery takes place.

Can the problem of Astigmatism be cured after the operation?

Astigmatism is a refractive error that occurs when the cornea or lens of the eye has an irregular curve. People having Astigmatism get blurred vision since the light rays do not get focused at one point on the retina at the back of the eye. Astigmatism can also occur with shortsightedness or long-sightedness. We can now have the facility to correct or decrease astigmatism at the time of cataract surgery. This involves inserting a special intraocular lens also known as a toric lens during cataract surgery. The severity of pre-operative astigmatism determines whether we can correct it completely after the cataract extraction.

Can I get operated on for cataracts even if I have Herpes in my eye?

Once you are infected herpes virus becomes resident in your eye and can get reactivated post cataract surgery. This implies that you will require post-operative antiviral medication to prevent any virus-related complications. This medication is generally taken for a period of four weeks after the operation.

Is It safe to get a cataract removed even if I have Glaucoma?

There will be no issues if glaucoma is under control prior to the surgery. We can now offer patients the option of inserting a micro stent at the time of cataract surgery to enable easy drainage of fluid from the eye. This stent can reduce the amount of glaucoma medication required in many cases, patients can stop eye drops completely.

If I have Keratoconus then can I have my cataracts removed safely?

Patients who have Keratoconus can do very well after cataract surgery. In fact, many people find that they can actually get rid of contact lenses altogether. One of the features of Keratoconus is astigmatism which can be addressed and get treated at the time of operation.

Do cataracts revive after being removed?

A cataract is once-off the procedure in the sense that cataracts themselves do not return on their own. Cataracts do not grow and do not return after a cataract. At times a thin membrane returns as scar tissue behind the lens implant after cataract extraction. This membrane is called posterior capsule opacification which can be removed with a quick painless laser procedure in the clinic.

If I have had a corneal transplant in past then is it safe to have cataract surgery?

Patients having corneal transplants can get their cataracts removed easily. There may be a risk of developing a rejection to graft following a cataract surgery which can be treated with steroid drops. There might be a small risk that the cornea might get damaged then a second graft may be required.

Conclusion:

There is increasing number of cataract cases in elderly nowadays. There are many questions related to cataract disease in people these questions are related to other bodily ailments in people. 

Source:

Cataract Surgery

Cataract Surgery Everything You Need To Know