At some point, you may notice your vision begin to deteriorate. One possibility is the development of cataracts. If your optometrist confirms you have cataracts, you will need surgery to remove them. The following are some things you should know about this surgical procedure:
Are You a Good Candidate for Cataract Surgery?
Before you can have cataract surgery, you need to be sure you are a good candidate. To get cataract surgery, you have to show certain symptoms. Some symptoms include blurry vision, difficulty reading, colors appearing dim, and sensitivity to light.
Your doctor will carefully check your eyes and talk with you about your overall health. As the doctor evaluates your eyes, he or she will check the location and the size of the cataracts and take measurements for your intraocular lens. The intraocular lens, or the IOL, is the lens that will replace the cataracts to help you have clear vision.
Which IOL Is Best?
Your doctor will determine your IOL based on what is best for your overall vision. Once the IOL is placed, you will not feel it or see it. You will just have clear vision.
There are several types of IOL your doctor will consider. A monofocal lens will help correct either farsightedness or nearsightedness. A multifocal IOL will correct both farsightedness and nearsightedness. An astigmatism IOL will repair your astigmatism to help you have clear vision if you suffer from this issue.
How Does Cataract Surgery Work?
Your eyes will be numbed to prevent you from feeling anything during the surgery. You will remain awake, but you will not see anything. The surgery is often done with a laser procedure to create small incisions near the cornea. The old lens with the cataracts is removed and your IOL will be placed. The same steps will be taken if you are having both of your eyes operated on.
What Happens After Surgery?
Once your surgery is over, you will notice some blurry vision initially. Therefore, you will not be able to drive yourself home. You will notice colors are brighter almost immediately. Your eyes may initially feel irritated, and you will have to wear a patch or other device when you sleep for the first few days after the procedure. You will also have to place drops in your eyes prescribed by your doctor. You will notice a significant difference in your eyesight right after surgery, but you will not be fully recovered until after a few weeks.
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