Once cataracts progress to the point that they disrupt your daily life with fuzzy vision, it’s time to consider cataract removal surgery. Being that more than 8.5 million people in the US undergo cataract surgery per year, this decision is one that many people make!
If you’re thinking about cataract surgery but are worried about what to expect afterwards, book a consultation with our experienced eye doctor near you at Eyeworks, in Ft. Worth, Southlake, and Downtown, Texas. We’ll explain the procedure and prepare you for the recovery period.
Immediately after cataract removal
Cataract surgery is typically done as an outpatient procedure. While the actual surgery takes less than half an hour, you should plan to be at the eye clinic for about two to three hours.
You’ll be awake for the procedure, but you may be given a sedative intravenously to relax you, along with local anesthesia so you don’t feel any pain. The surgical staff will insert various eye drops to your eye before and after the cataract surgery.
Once the surgery is complete, your eye may be covered with a shield or bandage that you’ll be able to remove later that day or the next day. After resting in the recovery area for about half an hour, you’ll be allowed to return home with a set of instructions to follow. Even if you choose an eye clinic near you, you won’t be able to drive yourself home. Be sure to organize a ride for yourself.
Recovery once you return home
After you’re at home, you’ll need to apply prescription antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops several times each day to prevent infection and decrease swelling. Usually, these medications are needed for a few weeks. During the first week after cataract surgery, it’s advised to wear an eye shield while you sleep. Outdoors, wearing sunglasses is also recommended.
The night of your surgery, you should be able to do most sedentary activities. Driving isn’t permitted until your eye doctor checks your vision on the next day.
Itching, grittiness, watering, blurry or double vision, bloodshot eyes, and other mild discomfort are typical symptoms, and it’s critical to avoid rubbing or pushing on your eye.
Postoperative visits to your eye doctor
Generally, your first postoperative visit will be scheduled for the day after cataract surgery. Then, most people need to return at one week, one month, two months, and six months following the procedure. At each visit, your eye doctor will perform an eye exam to check visual acuity, eye health, and eye pressure. Complete healing takes about eight weeks, and at about three months later, it will be possible to confirm your final vision prescription, if required. Reading glasses prescription may continue to change with age, however.
Vision during recovery
After cataract surgery, it’s normal for your vision to be blurry initially. Within a few days, it should improve. Now that you’re looking through a brand-new, clear lens, colors will appear brighter and crisper than before.
Are you a candidate for cataract surgery? Schedule an eye exam near you in one of our convenient eye care centers in Ft. Worth, Southlake, and Downtown, Texas, to find out!
At Eyeworks, we put your family's needs first. Talk to us about how we can help you maintain healthy vision. Call us today: 817-346-7077 or book an appointment online to see one of our Ft. Worth eye doctors.
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