A Comprehensive Guide to Cataract Surgery: What To Expect, Before and After Care

Cataract surgery is a common and safe procedure for treating cataracts that affect vision. As a patient, you may feel overwhelmed by the thought of surgery, but there’s no need to worry. This comprehensive guide to cataract surgery in Gurgaon outlines everything you need to know, from the procedure itself to before and after care. By understanding more about the process and what to expect, you can prepare yourself for a successful surgery and a speedy recovery. Our guide will provide you with a step-by-step explanation of what happens before, during, and after cataract surgery. We’ll also answer any questions you may have about the procedure and provide tips on how to care for your eyes in the weeks and months after surgery. With the right information, you can feel confident and empowered as you begin your journey to restoring your vision.

Overview of cataract surgery

Barman Eyecare center Cataracts happen when an opacification (buildup) in the lens of the eye prevents light from passing through the eye. This can cause decreased vision and affect your ability to see colours properly. A cataract surgery to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with an artificial lens is called an "ophthalmic" (eye) "surgery". During the procedure, your ophthalmologist (a doctor who specializes in eye diseases and surgery) will remove the lens from your eye. He or she will then remove the cataract, replacing the natural lens with an artificial lens known as an intraocular lens (IOL). Once the IOL is implanted in your eye, you will see clearly again. The best time to have cataract surgery is when there is a significant amount of cloudiness in your lens, but not so much so that you are completely blind. Cataract surgery is a very successful and highly recommended procedure for anyone experiencing vision problems due to cataracts.

What to expect before cataract surgery

• Pre-op exam: Before undergoing the surgery, you'll have a pre-operative exam. This will include a physical exam, visual acuity test, and a retinal exam. Your ophthalmologist may also order blood work and a urinalysis to make sure that you are healthy enough to undergo cataract surgery. - Medications: Your ophthalmologist will give you a list of medications you should stop taking, such-as blood-thinners, or medications that you should take before your surgery. The pre-operative exam will also include an eye exam to measure the cloudiness of your lens and how much vision you have without your lens. This helps your ophthalmologist decide when to schedule the surgery. - Eye drops: Your ophthalmologist may prescribe anti-inflammatory eye drops to reduce swelling, redness, and light sensitivity in your eyes. Take these drops as directed to prevent side effects, such as irritation, blurred vision, and reduced ability to handle sunlight. - Blood work and urinalysis: Blood work and a urinalysis will be done to ensure that you do not have any infections or other medical complications. This can also be to ensure that you are not allergic to any medications.

What to expect during cataract surgery

• Prepping for surgery: Before the surgery, you may be given medication. Local anesthesia is commonly used for cataract surgery. General anesthesia may be used in certain cases. The surgery will be performed in a specialized eye surgery center or hospital and generally takes 30 to 40 minutes. - Positioning: Depending on your eye condition, you may be asked to lie on your back or on your side. You may also be asked to keep your head in a certain position to keep the eye steady. You may also be given eye patches to help you focus on the

cataract surgery cost. - Incision and removal of the lens: Your ophthalmologist will make a small incision in your eye and remove the cataractous lens. Then, an artificial lens known as a phacoemulsification system can be placed in the eye. This is done by using ultrasound waves and a cutting device. - Suture: After the surgery is complete, your ophthalmologist will stitch the incision in your eye. This will help reduce bleeding and prevent infection.

What to expect after cataract surgery

• Immediately after surgery: You may be able to see clearly right after the surgery is complete. However, your vision may be blurry for a few hours. - Post-operative care: Your ophthalmologist will provide you with instructions on how to care for your eyes after surgery. Some of these include: - Stay in the hospital: You may be allowed to go home as soon as you feel comfortable. You may be kept for observation for a few hours after the surgery or overnight if your ophthalmologist prescribes it. - Ointment: Your ophthalmologist will prescribe you with antibiotic ointment to reduce the risk of infection. - Sensitivity to light: Light may be bright and uncomfortable for a few days after the surgery. Wearing sunglasses can help you adjust to the light and protect your eyes.

Tips for effective aftercare

• Ice: You should place ice packs over the incision to reduce swelling and inflammation. - Rest: You should rest your eyes as much as possible. Avoid reading, staring at computer screens, or watching TV. - Avoid straining: You should avoid straining your eyes such as reading, using the computer, or lifting heavy objects. - Sleep with feet up: Sleeping with your feet up will help reduce swelling. - Eye drops: You should use antibiotic eye drops as directed to prevent infection. - Protect your eyes: You should wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV rays when going out. - Diet: You should eat healthy foods that are rich in vitamins. You should also drink plenty of water.

Possible complications of cataract surgery

• Infection: An infection may occur if you don’t clean the incision site regularly. Washing the incision with saline water or hydrogen peroxide will help reduce the risk of infection. - Excessive bleeding: Excessive bleeding may occur, especially if you have risk factors for bleeding, such as a bleeding disorder. - Retinal detachment: Retinal detachment may occur if the retina detaches from the back of the eye. This may require additional surgery to fix. - Glaucoma: You may be at risk of developing glaucoma if you have a history of glaucoma. - Increased intraocular pressure: Your eye pressure may increase after the surgery. If your eye pressure is high, you may need to use eye drops or have laser surgery to reduce it. - Macular degeneration: You may be at a higher risk of developing macular degeneration after cataract surgery.

Barman Eye Care is the best eye hospitals in gurgaon. We have the best eye specialist in Gurgaon for various eye treatments like cataract surgery and lasik surgery.