Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery is a procedure that removes the lens of your eye to replace it with an artificial lens. Under normal circumstances, you will have a clear eye lens. When you have cataracts in your eyes, they will cause the lens to become cloudy, affecting your vision. An ophthalmologist usually conducts cataract surgery in Jacksonville outpatient, so you do not have to stay at the hospital after the procedure. It is a general procedure with minimum safety concerns.

Why Get Cataract Surgery?

 

The only reason for cataract surgeries is to treat cataracts which can cause blurred vision and increase the glare from lights. If you have difficulty handling day-to-day activities due to cataracts, an ophthalmologist can recommend cataract surgery. It can also come in handy if a cataract makes it difficult to treat a different type of problem. For instance, if you have a cataract that makes it challenging for a doctor to examine the back of your eye to treat other eye problems like age-related macular degeneration, they may recommend cataract surgery.

You should carefully consider all your options and avoid rushing into getting a cataract surgery since waiting does not make the damage more severe. If you still have good vision, you can afford to wait a few more years before getting a cataract surgery if you ever need one. Before you get cataract surgery, you need to ask yourself if:

• You can see safely to carry out your job or drive.
• You have trouble watching television or reading.
• You can hardly shop, cook, take medications, or climb a flight of stairs.
• You experience a reduced level of independence due to vision problems.
• You have trouble seeing clearly in bright lights.

Risks

You can hardly develop any complications during or after cataract surgery. However, if you develop any complications due to the surgery, your doctor can quickly treat them. Common risks associated with cataract surgeries include infection, inflammation, swelling, bleeding, glaucoma, drooping eyelids, vision loss, dislocation of the artificial lens, secondary cataract, and retinal detachment.

The likelihood of developing complications usually increases if you have a severe medical condition or another eye problem. In some instances, cataract surgery can fail to improve your vision due to eye damage from different diseases like macular degeneration or glaucoma. Evaluating and treating any underlying problems before getting a cataract surgery can help increase the chances of success.

How to Prepare for a Cataract Surgery

Your ophthalmologist will provide you with specific instructions to follow in preparation for the surgery. They may advise you to avoid eating or drinking anything at least 12 hours before the surgery. You may also have to avoid any medications that could increase your chances of bleeding. If you are on medication for a prostate problem, make sure you notify the surgeon since some of the drugs can affect cataract surgeries.

To summarize, cataract surgery is done to remove the lens of your eye and replace it with an artificial lens. You will need one if you have cataracts that make it difficult to carry out normal day-to-day activities. The chances of developing complications after cataract surgery are significantly low. Your doctor will provide you with specific instructions to follow in preparation for the surgery.