Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery is also known as lens replacement surgery. In this procedure, the lens inside the eye that has become cloudy (natural lens) is removed and replaced with an artificial lens (intraocular lens or IOL) to restore clear vision.

Cataract Surgery - Overview

A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye which leads to a decrease in vision. Cataracts often develop slowly over the course of years and can affect one or both eyes.

CATARACT SURGERY:

If a patient suffers from cataracts in both eyes, he/she probably needs two surgeries, with an interval of at least two weeks.

Cataract Surgery - Symptoms

Cataract usually forms slowly. Patients may not know they have them until they start to block light.
Symptoms patient might notice are:
Cloudy, blurry, foggy, or filmy vision
Near-sightedness
Halos around the light.
Changes in the way to see color
Facing problems while driving at night (like glare from oncoming headlight)
Double vision in the affected eye
The trouble with eyeglasses or contact lenses (not working well)

Cataract Surgery - Pre-Procedure

A week or two before the surgery, your doctor will perform some tests to measure the size and shape of the eye.
The patient should be on NPO (not eat or drink anything) 12 hours before the surgery.
The doctor may prescribe eye drops, to start before surgery.

Cataract Surgery - During Procedure

Cataract surgery is a day-care procedure. No need to stay in a hospital overnight.
With the help of a laser, the surgeon will create tiny incisions near the edge of the cornea, then he/she will put a small tool to break up the cataract and gently remove it out.
Then the surgeon will put a new lens, which will be made of plastic, silicone, or acrylic.
There will be no need to stitch the incisions closed. These “self-healing” incisions will close by themselves over time.
In the healing period, a shield will be placed to protect the eye.

Cataract Surgery - Post-Procedure

After a few days of the procedure, there may be itchiness or the patient may feel sore eye.
Avoid driving for a few days after surgery.
The patient should avoid bend over, picking up heavy things, any eye pressure.
For the first week of the procedure, wearing an eye shield while sleeping.
Eyes will fully heal after 8 weeks of the surgery.
About 90% of people see better after cataract surgery.
The patient may need to wear glasses or contacts after surgery also.

Cataract Surgery - Risk & Complications

Eye infection or swelling
Inflammation
Lens fragments
Bleeding
Retinal detachment (the breaking away of a layer of tissue at the back of the eye that senses light)
Drooping eyelid
Light sensitivity
A temporary rise in eye pressure, 12-14 hours after surgery.