Everything You Need to Know About Cataract Treatments
If you are middle-aged, there are more chances for you to develop cataracts.
Cataracts can cause blurred vision as the lens inside the eye is clouded, leading to loss of vision. In most cases, the defect cannot be corrected with glasses or contact lenses.
Although you may be alarmed when you learn that you have cataracts, the good news is that your vision can be restored with the help of modern cataract treatment (surgery), after which you may not need to wear glasses.
A Cataract is generally related to aging and is common with most people. Surgery is a very safe option to restore your vision. Over 180,000 cataract surgeries were performed in 2019, taking the total count to 1.8 million in the last decade.
Here are some important things you must know about cataract surgery:
When Should You Have A Cataract Surgery?
As soon as you detect vision loss, it would be best to look for cataract surgery options available to you. Even mild loss of colour perception or contrast sensitivity is an indicator of cataracts.
Should You Wait For The Cataracts To Mature?
Today, technology has evolved, and surgeons use laser technology and ultrasound to extract the cataract as minute particles. Earlier, there was a need to remove the cataract as a whole. Hence, the earlier the cataract is removed, the better, as an immature cataract is easier to remove. Know more here about when it is best to remove your cataract.
Is Surgery Painful?
You can relax as cataract surgery is not painful at all. At most, you may feel mild pressure on the eyes. However, most procedures are done after administering local anaesthesia. Most patients report a painless surgery that has little or no complications.
Can You Drive Soon After a Cataract Surgery?
The good news is you need to wait just 48 hours post-surgery before you can start driving. Most surgeons would advise you to drive if you feel comfortable and have the confidence to do so. However, it will be best if you can avoid long-distance driving for at least a week after cataract surgery. Don’t forget to wear dark glasses while driving.
When Can You Expect To See Results?
In most of the cases, patients have reported immediate results. The fact is that cataracts and patients vary, with some taking longer to heal. If you have diabetes, it is likely to take longer to heal. Whatever the case, complete healing can happen in a month after surgery.
Do You Have To Wear Glasses After A Cataract Surgery?
Distance or near vision can be corrected with Multifocal Intraocular Lenses (IOLs). You also have the option of using the latest Trifocal IOLs that help correct far, intermediate, and near distance vision. Mono-vision lenses may be required in some cases where each eye has a different vision issue.
Summing it Up
Cataract surgery is less complicated and not painful. Unlike other surgeries, cataract surgery does not require surgical sutures as a keyhole procedure is used during surgery. Only in rare cases a couple of stitches may be required.
