Cataract surgery is the most common type of eye surgery. If you develop cataracts, your doctor might recommend you have them removed. Cataract surgery is not an emergency. It is an outpatient procedure, so you can go home the same day. If you are planning to have this done or need advice post-op, read on to learn how to best care for your eyes.

 

What Is a Cataract?

A cataract is a lens that has become cloudy. People compare looking through a cataract to looking through a foggy mirror. This lens needs to be clear so that it can reflect light that enters the eye. Cataracts can cause difficulties driving, reading, and seeing details. Over time, they become worse. Though they are not always evident at first, cataracts grow larger and cause vision loss.

 

How Do You Prepare for Cataract Surgery?

Before the surgery, your doctor will take measurements of your eye and go over the pre-op with you. Your doctor may prescribe eye drops and may tell you not to eat the night before. You will be awake during the surgery, but you will not be able to drive yourself home. You will need to make arrangements to accommodate this. If you are having surgery on both eyes, you will need to wait about four hours after the operation on the first eye.

 

How Does Cataract Surgery Work?

During the procedure, the surgeon first removes the cloudy lens from the eye. Then, he or she will replace the old lens with an interocular lens, which is an artificial lens. Basic cataract surgery takes about 10 minutes. Your vision should improve within a few days, but it can take a few weeks for your eyes to adjust. The sensation should return to your eyes after surgery within a few hours.

 

Tips for Surgery Aftercare

After surgery, you may experience grogginess, pain, or other symptoms. This should improve within a few hours. Make sure to track any symptoms and watch out for any vision loss, pain, or other unusual symptoms.

 

Eye Drops

Your doctor may prescribe antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops. Follow your doctor’s instructions and avoid rubbing your eyes. Also, avoid eye makeup and swimming.

 

Eye Shield

Your doctor will give you an eye shield to wear out of the office. Use your eye shield at night for at least a week and while showering. The eye shield prevents dust, debris, and water from entering the eye.

 

Rest

Aim to rest for two to three days, avoiding strenuous activities. When cooking, take caution to avoid steam. Do not drive until your vision is clear.

 

Why Is Cataract Aftercare Important?

Follow your doctor’s instructions to prevent infection or harm to the eye. Cataract surgery has a high success rate, but it is important to take good care of your eyes.


 

To discuss cataract aftercare further, call Coastal Vision Medical Group at (888) 501-4496. You can also visit our offices, located in Long Beach, Irvine, Orange, and Norco, California.