When it comes to cataract surgery, it's important to understand the types of procedures available, the symptoms of cataracts, the surgery process, and the quality of life after the operation. If you're considering cataract surgery or have already been diagnosed with cataracts, there are a few things to know. The procedure is relatively painless and can be done in an outpatient setting. It usually takes anywhere from a few minutes to an hour, depending on the surgeon's expertise. The first step of cataract surgery is to clean the area around your eyes and administer a local anesthetic or sedative. You will then be given a sterile drape to cover your eye and eye drops. A speculum will be placed on your vision and you will be asked to fill out a consent form. When it comes to the type of surgery, you can choose between traditional or laser procedures. The most common type of surgery is called phacoemulsification, which involves making a small incision on the cornea and using an ultrasound device to break up the cataract into tiny pieces. The pieces are then suctioned out. Most people recover from cataract surgery in a week or two, but some may need to rest for a few days. After this, they will be able to drive home. Before surgery, you may be asked to fast for a few hours and avoid drinking or eating solid food for six hours prior. Symptoms of cataracts can include double vision, blurry vision, needing more light to see, glare, and light sensitivity. The best way to test your eye health is to go for a comprehensive eye exam. Your optometrist will be able to examine your vision and determine if you need cataract surgery. Cataracts are usually caused by proteins in the eye breaking down over time, but certain medications and radiation treatments can also cause them. People over 40 years old are at a higher risk of developing cataracts. Cataract surgery is highly effective and can improve your quality of life significantly. However, there are also several strategies for managing cataracts without surgery. If you plan to have cataract surgery, it's important to talk to your doctor about your time frame and any other questions you may have.
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Can You Have Cataract Surgery Without Lens Replacement?
Cataract surgery is a common procedure that involves removing the clouded natural lens and replacing it with an intraocular lens (IOL). Learn more about this procedure and its risks.
How do you know if you have an infection after cataract surgery?
I don't want to sound alarmist, but if after cataract surgery you have any symptoms, such as severe pain, reduced quick-onset vision, progressive swelling or redness of the eye, or smelly discharge from the eye after surgery, you should urgently see your eye doctor. Infections after cataract surgery are rare, but if you have one, you'll get an injection of antibiotics in your eye.
Is cataract surgery worth the risk?
While many age-related eye conditions can irreparably damage vision, such as glaucoma or macular degeneration, cataract surgery will restore clear vision. If you can't see well because of cataracts, there's little reason not to have cataract surgery.
How Common are Eye Infections After Cataract Surgery?
Cataract surgery is generally safe but can come with some risks including endophthalmitis - an infection inside the eye that must be detected and treated as soon as possible for the best outcome.