Cataract Surgery: Treatment & What to expect?

 A type of eye surgery to remove a cataract is termed cataract surgery. The lens of the eye, similar to a camera helps in focusing light. Normally this lens is clear but, when this lens turns cloudy, it is called a cataract. Cataract surgery is performed to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with a clear artificial lens that eventually restores vision.

Who needs cataract surgery treatment?

A person may need cataract surgery if the cataracts are causing problems in their daily activities like reading and driving.

Other conditions may also lead to cataract surgery treatment such as:

• Age-related changes that may cause damage to the retina

• Diabetic Retinopathy (a diabetic condition that leads to changes in the retina)

What happens before cataract surgery?

Before this treatment, the opthalmologist will:

• Firstly, measure your eye to find the correct focusing power for your IOL

• Secondly, ask about the medications you take

• Eventually prescribe eyedrops to prevent infection and reduce eye swelling.

What happens during the surgery?

As recommended by the doctor you may need to stop taking certain medications for a few days but there is no need to fast.

Cataract surgery is a simple outpatient procedure, so you don’t need to stay at the hospital after surgery. Although, someone may have to drive you home.

During the surgery:

• Your surgeon will numb the eyes with drops. You might be provided with medication to help you relax. You will be able to see light and movement and will be awake during the surgery. The surgery will be painless and not drawn-out.

• The surgeon uses a special microscope to see your eye and may make tiny incisions to reach the lens. The doctor will use ultrasound waves to break up the lens and remove it and at last, the new lens will be placed.

• You would not require any stitches or even an eye patch as the tiny incisions may close by themselves. 

  

Advantages of cataract surgery treatment

This treatment is the only way to get rid of cataracts and restore your vision. There are no such medications or eye drops that are proven to improve cataracts.

The success rate in improving vision is widely high, around 9 out of 10 people are seen to have better vision afterwards.

After the surgery, you will experience these improvements:

• See things clearer than before

• Reduced glare when you look at bright lights

• Experience improvement in seeing colours

If you experience pain or redness that gets worse despite pain medication, stickiness around your eye, vision loss and flashes of light or seeing lots of small dark spots that seem to float across your visual field, you should immediately consult your doctor.

These conditions might worsen the normal functioning of the eye and may result in severe consequences. But, don’t worry if you have such conditions. At ASG Eye Hospitals, we take pride in providing the best solutions for eye care to people irrespective of their awareness, knowledge and financial levels. The most optimal cataract surgery treatment at ASG encompasses state-of-the-art equipment and highly experienced doctors.