Cataracts are a leading cause of blindness in the U.S. The longer left untreated, the more challenging it can be to successfully remove cataracts to restore sight. Early detection and treatment of cataracts is key to preserving vision. We understand many people are concerned about venturing out during the COVID-19 pandemic. Your safety is and always has been of upmost importance to us. We want you to feel safe as we meet and treat your eye care needs. Schedule an appointment with one of our leading ophthalmologists.
What to Expect After Cataract Surgery
Postoperative care after cataract surgery isn’t as scary as it sounds. In fact, the process is usually quick and easy. The procedure without complications takes around 10 minutes to complete. So what happens after the ophthalmologist is finished working on your eyes?
Immediately After Cataract Surgery
You will be moved into a recovery area immediately after cataract surgery. This is a safe, comfortable place for you to wait until sedation or anesthesia begins to wear off. This part of recovery usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes.
Once you have recovered enough to head home, you will need someone available to drive you. You will not be able to drive immediately after your appointment. Rest is recommended when you get home. Your doctor will advise you on whether or not you need to keep a protective shield over your eye.
Adaptation After Cataract Surgery
Recovery is quick, but there is a period of adaptation after cataract removal. At first, you may notice cloudy, blurry, or distorted vision. Your eye will need to adjust to the intraocular lens that was added.
Patients often describe wavy effects in their vision. This should only continue for about an hour or so. If it persists, you should contact your ophthalmologist.
Your eyes may look bloodshot as well because of blood vessel damage that occurs during the procedure. This is normal and will go away over the course of several days. You may also see bruising on the skin under the eye that can occur if you received an anesthesia injection.
Many experience clear vision hours after surgery. Some may need as much as a week before they start seeing images in sharp focus. You will be provided postoperative care instructions after cataract surgery before going home.
Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey to make an appointment for your cataract surgery procedure.
Cataract Diagnosis and Treatment: Restoring Vision as We Age
Cataracts are a common sign of aging that can cause a loss of vision. Cataracts appear when protein in the eye begins to clump together. It’s important to see your doctor regularly to monitor changes in your sight as you grow older.
Cataract Symptoms
Cataracts usually take a long time to form, so the changes they cause may not be obvious until the condition has worsened. Common cataract symptoms include:
- Blurry or foggy vision
- Nearsightedness in elderly people
- Changes in how the eye interprets color
- Problems with night driving
- Problems with glare during the day
- One eye experiencing double vision
- Contacts or eyeglasses no longer working effectively
Diagnosing Cataracts
If you experience any of the above symptoms, you should visit your ophthalmologist. They will review your medical history and perform tests to verify the diagnosis. These tests may include a visual acuity test with an eye chart, a slit-lamp exam that lets the doctor see structures in your eye, and a retinal exam which uses eye drops to dilate the pupils.
Cataract Treatment
People with cataracts can restore their vision with the help of their doctor. Surgery is the only treatment option that works effectively. During the procedure, your ophthalmologist will remove the cloudy part of the lens and replace it with an artificial lens.
Cataract surgery is very successful. A few patients experience hazy vision after cataract removal. This can happen if the capsule clouds. An ophthalmologist can perform a capsulotomy, which uses a laser to clear the area. If you have cataracts or notice a change in your vision, make an appointment with an Eye Michigan board certified, experienced ophthalmologist for a comprehensive eye exam to get answers and learn about treatment options.
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