Preparing for Cataract Surgery - Before and After Surgery
Cataracts is a clouding or opacity of the lens inside your eye, and is a common eye problem that is age related and starts after the age of 40.
Thousands of patients elect to have cataract surgery each year to improve their vision.
Cataracts progress over years, and over time, patients start to notice problems more.
Fading colours to tinges of brown or yellow, there are a number of symptoms associated with this eye disorder.
The vision becomes more blurred and eventually, stronger glasses may no longer improve your vision.
When the cataract has reached the point where it is interfering with daily activities or lifestyle despite up-to-date glasses, the easiest solution is to choose to have the lens removed and replaced with a clear lens to dramatically improve your vision.
If you have already been speaking to your ophthalmologist about cataract surgery, then expect to go through a number of tests leading up to your surgery day.
The test include determining the size and shape of your eye, ensuring the correct strength of lens implant is used to help you enjoy improved eyesight moving forward.
You will need to take a day or two off from work to allow yourself to recover.
Most patients notice an improvement within twenty four hours, but if you are working, taking a few days to give yourself time to recover is advisable.
This ensures when you return to work you can handle the daily duties you need to perform without any irritation to the eyes, this will include driving to and from work.
It is essential that you don't drink any alcohol for at least twenty four hours before your surgery and only eat breakfast if your ophthalmologist has advised you it is safe to do so.
Eating and drinking will be based on the time of your surgery, though in most cases black tea and water is fine.
Discuss your current medications in detail with your surgeon, and your medical history will be reviewed to ensure the surgery is performed as safely as possible..
Always shower and wash your hair thoroughly before leaving for the clinic, this ensures a clean and sterile environment while you have your cataract surgery performed.
It is also essential you arrange for someone to collect you, as you won't be able to drive for at least twenty four hours or until you feel comfortable to do so.
On the day of your surgery you will be required to arrive in clinic at a set time.
At this point you will be prepared for surgery and the cataract surgery will be performed by an experienced, qualified and knowledgeable ophthalmologist.
Cataract surgery is performed using small incision phacoemulsification, often shortened to "phaco", and can be performed with a laser, known as Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery.
Expect to feel a little groggy after the surgery.
The good news is this wears off pretty quickly.
You will usually be allowed to go home the same day, once the anaesthetic wears off.
You will be provided with a prescription which you must take, this will include antibiotics to fight infection and anti-inflammatories to reduce discomfort and the risk of swelling.
Follow the instructions provided by your eye specialist to the letter.
It's imperative that you don't do any heavy lifting, but rather enjoy some lighter activities such as reading, listening to music or watching so television as you recover.
In most instances you will be asked to visit your eye specialist shortly after your surgery to identify how you are recovering and any improvements you may be noticing.
Most people see their specialist within 3 weeks after the surgery, as improvements are noticed within twenty four hours and the eye takes 2-3 weeks to settle.
Remember, when it comes to cataract surgery, you need to identify how you will benefit and the improvements it will make to your daily life.
Thousands of patients elect to have cataract surgery each year to improve their vision.
Cataracts progress over years, and over time, patients start to notice problems more.
Fading colours to tinges of brown or yellow, there are a number of symptoms associated with this eye disorder.
The vision becomes more blurred and eventually, stronger glasses may no longer improve your vision.
When the cataract has reached the point where it is interfering with daily activities or lifestyle despite up-to-date glasses, the easiest solution is to choose to have the lens removed and replaced with a clear lens to dramatically improve your vision.
If you have already been speaking to your ophthalmologist about cataract surgery, then expect to go through a number of tests leading up to your surgery day.
The test include determining the size and shape of your eye, ensuring the correct strength of lens implant is used to help you enjoy improved eyesight moving forward.
You will need to take a day or two off from work to allow yourself to recover.
Most patients notice an improvement within twenty four hours, but if you are working, taking a few days to give yourself time to recover is advisable.
This ensures when you return to work you can handle the daily duties you need to perform without any irritation to the eyes, this will include driving to and from work.
It is essential that you don't drink any alcohol for at least twenty four hours before your surgery and only eat breakfast if your ophthalmologist has advised you it is safe to do so.
Eating and drinking will be based on the time of your surgery, though in most cases black tea and water is fine.
Discuss your current medications in detail with your surgeon, and your medical history will be reviewed to ensure the surgery is performed as safely as possible..
Always shower and wash your hair thoroughly before leaving for the clinic, this ensures a clean and sterile environment while you have your cataract surgery performed.
It is also essential you arrange for someone to collect you, as you won't be able to drive for at least twenty four hours or until you feel comfortable to do so.
On the day of your surgery you will be required to arrive in clinic at a set time.
At this point you will be prepared for surgery and the cataract surgery will be performed by an experienced, qualified and knowledgeable ophthalmologist.
Cataract surgery is performed using small incision phacoemulsification, often shortened to "phaco", and can be performed with a laser, known as Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery.
Expect to feel a little groggy after the surgery.
The good news is this wears off pretty quickly.
You will usually be allowed to go home the same day, once the anaesthetic wears off.
You will be provided with a prescription which you must take, this will include antibiotics to fight infection and anti-inflammatories to reduce discomfort and the risk of swelling.
Follow the instructions provided by your eye specialist to the letter.
It's imperative that you don't do any heavy lifting, but rather enjoy some lighter activities such as reading, listening to music or watching so television as you recover.
In most instances you will be asked to visit your eye specialist shortly after your surgery to identify how you are recovering and any improvements you may be noticing.
Most people see their specialist within 3 weeks after the surgery, as improvements are noticed within twenty four hours and the eye takes 2-3 weeks to settle.
Remember, when it comes to cataract surgery, you need to identify how you will benefit and the improvements it will make to your daily life.