When we get old, we are more likely to get cataracts. However, by the age of 80, they are familiar. A cataract is clouding the eye lens, causing vision problems.
Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss in adults over the age of 40 and the leading cause of blindness worldwide. Most cataracts develop by age, but they can also occur due to eye injuries or metabolic illnesses such as diabetes.
Cataracts can affect one or both eyes.
Cataract surgery is a procedure that helps to remove cataracts.
The majority of cataract surgeries include replacing the clouded lens with an artificial one.
If you’re having problems with regular tasks like driving, reading, or seeing in bright light, you may need cataract surgery.
Cataracts can affect one or both eyes. It can’t spread from one to another. The following are common signs and symptoms:
- Blurry vision.
- Colors that appear to have faded
- Glare can cause headlights, lamps, and sunshine to appear overly bright. A halo may also appear around lights.
- Being unable to see clearly at night
- Doubtful perception
- Changes in your eyewear prescription frequently
Preparation before surgery:
About a week before your treatment, an eye doctor will likely do an ultrasound and obtain measurements. This test will assist them in determining the size and shape of your eye and the best treatment action for your surgery.
They’ll also inquire about any medications you’re taking. They may prescribe prescription eye drops for you to use before surgery.
You won’t have to stay overnight because cataract surgery doesn’t take much time, performed in an outpatient surgical center or hospital. However, once the surgery is over, you’ll need to arrange for a ride home.
Types of cataract surgery:
- Phacoemulsification
- Manual extracapsular cataract surgery (MECS)
- Manual small incision cataract surgery (MSICS)
- Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS)
You will mainly be awake during the process; it should be painless because the doctor will put you on a local anesthetic. You might feel a little achy, but severe pain is uncommon.
Aftercare for cataract surgery
In most situations, you’ll see a considerable improvement within the first few days; however, full recovery can take up to a month. Your doctor may prescribe specific eye drops to relieve pain and prevent infection. It’s also possible that you’ll need to sleep with a protective mask to avoid any infection.
While you’re recovering, you should protect your eyes from the sun by wearing sunglasses. Also, try to avoid touching or putting anything in your eyes.
As you become older, you are more likely to develop cataracts, which worsen with time. They are the leading cause of blindness worldwide. Surgical intervention is the only option, and cataract surgery is one of the ordinary and safe procedures. The treatment takes only a few minutes and does not require an overnight stay in the hospital. If your operation is medically essential, your insurance company will bear the cost, which varies depending on the location and surgical technique used.