Cataract surgery is a procedure that involves removing the crystalline lens portion that has developed an opacification and replacing it with a synthetic lens. It is used to treat the clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye that can cause vision problems. Cataract surgery is very common and safe procedure that is performed by an eye doctor (ophthalmologist). It is generally performed on an outpatient basis, meaning the patient can go home the very same day.
Cataract surgery is performed in order to treat cataracts. Cataracts are clouded lens that can cause blurry vision and increase the radiation from lights. Cataract surgery is often recommended if an individual’s sight is compromised, making it difficult to perform daily tasks. A doctor may also recommend cataract surgery if a cataract makes it difficult for the eye doctor to examine the back of the eye and monitor or treat other eye problems such as age-related macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy.
If an individual’s vision is still quite good, cataract surgery may not be necessary for many years, if ever.
A few recommended instructions on how to prepare before cataract surgery include:
- Undergoing tests a week or so before surgery to measure the size and shape of the eye as well as determine the proper type of lens implant
- Stop taking certain medications in order to reduce the risk of bleeding during the procedure
- Using antibiotic eye drops to reduce the risk of contracting an infection before the procedure
- Avoiding eating or drinking anything after midnight on the day before the procedure
- Arranging for transportation to and from the hospital
- Arranging for home care during recovery after surgery
Cataract surgery requires administration of a local anesthetic through specific eye drops and is performed in operating theaters that are adequately equipped for same-day surgery procedures. It is performed under an operating microscope where the clouded lens is removed and a clear artificial lens is implanted. It requires no care and becomes a permanent part of the eye. The doctor may close the incision with very small stitches that need to be removed when recovery is complete.
Depending on an individual’s need, there are several types of IOLs:
- Multifocal: allows seeing at two distances (near and far)
- Toric: allows for correction of astigmatism, where objects may seen blurred and hazy
- Aspheric: allows for better vision under any circumstances
- Filtered: allows for the lenses to absorb and filter rays that may cause damage to the retina, including UV rays from the sun
Though uncommon, possible risks that can arise from cataract surgery include:
- Swelling
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Inflammation
- Retinal detachment
- Glaucoma
- Secondary cataract
- Blindness
The overall surgical procedure lasts less than half an hour; however, if cataracts occur in both eyes, a doctor may recommend waiting at least 1-2 weeks in between surgeries to allow time for the first eye to heal before the second eye surgery takes place.
Vision is satisfactory recovered after a few days and full recovery is complete within 10-15 days. A doctor may prescribe wearing an eye patch to shield the eye for a few days after surgery as well as taking eye drops or other medication to prevent infection, reduce inflammation and control eye pressure. Seeing an eye doctor a day or two after surgery, the following week and then again after about a month is recommended in order to monitor the healing process.
In some cases, the capsule hosting the synthetic lens (secondary cataract) may be opaque after months or years since surgery. This may occur when the back of the lens capsule becomes hazy and impairs vision. Quick ambulatory treatment with a specific laser (YAG laser) will ultimately solve the problem. Other complications are rare but can include increased eye pressure and retinal detachment.
