What To Expect Before, During And After Your Laser Cataract Surgery
Posted on: 13 November 2015
If your eye doctor has informed you that you have cataracts, you're not alone. By the age of 65, more than 90 percent of people have a cataract. Luckily, there are laser-based surgical procedures that can be used to remove the cataract and restore normal vision. Depending on the severity of your cataracts, your eye doctor may recommend that you undergo this surgery soon, or may suggest that you do so in a few years. Here's what you can expect before, during and after laser cataract surgery.
Before the Surgery
Your eye doctor will likely refer you to a specialist for your cataract surgery. Prior to scheduling your surgery, you can expect to have at least one consultation appointment with the surgeon who will be operating on you. During this appointment, the severity of your cataracts will be assessed with a number of tests. These may include a dilated eye exam, in which the eye doctor inserts dilating drops into your eyes and then looks at them with a special microscope, as well as a visual field test, which will indicate to the surgeon how much of the surrounding area you can see. These tests are painless and should only take a few minutes.
Your surgeon will also ask you some questions about your medical history in order to ensure you are a safe candidate for surgery. Make sure you are open and honest about any medications you are taking, as your surgeon may ask that you stop taking certain medications before your surgery.
Once your surgeon is finished examining you, your surgery will be scheduled. Your surgeon will discuss with you whether you want to be sedated and remain awake during the surgery or if you'd rather be placed under general anesthesia. If you choose general anesthesia, you will be given instructions to stop eating and drinking a certain number of hours prior to your surgery.
During Surgery
If you choose to have your surgery performed under general anesthesia, then you'll essentially be "asleep" during the procedure. Your surgeon will insert an IV that contains the anesthetic, ask you to count backwards from 10, and the next thing you know, you'll be waking up.
If you remain awake during surgery, you will be given a sedative (usually through an IV, though some surgeons use oral sedatives), and numbing drops will be placed in your eyes. Then, a special device will be used to hold your eye open while a laser excises the cataract from your eye. You will not feel any pain, though you may feel pressure sensations and see bright lights from the laser during this procedure. It should only take a few minutes.
After Surgery
Once your surgery is finished, your surgeon will provide you with aftercare instructions. You will likely be given pain relieving eye drops, along with antibiotic eye drops, which you will be told to place in your eyes at regular intervals for a few days after surgery. You will also be given a special eye shield to wear when sleeping and told to avoid strenuous activity for a week or so.
Your vision will be cloudy for a day or two after surgery, so you will need to have someone drive you home from the eye care center. The next day, when you wake up, you will likely notice that your vision is much, much clearer than it was prior to the surgery. Over the next few days, it should continue to improve.
Cataract surgery is a rather common procedure, and the vast majority of patients emerge with greatly improved vision. If your doctor has recommended this surgery for you, approach it with confidence. It really is simple to endure, and the recovery only takes a week or so. For more information, contact an eye doctor like William Byrne.
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