Cataracts are a common eye problem that can result in loss of vision if left untreated for long.
Since there are no effective eye drops for Cataract treatment, doctors suggest surgery for Cataracts.
Doctors opt for several types of Cataract surgery procedures based on the severity of the Cataracts.
Although it is a very safe and successful procedure, it may have some side effects.
It is important to be aware of these disadvantages so that you can take proper care after the surgery for Cataracts is over.
This article will discuss the important facts you need to know about Cataract eye surgery.
Average Age for Cataract Surgery
Under usual circumstances, people over the age of 60 are more likely to experience Cataracts.
Hence, Cataract surgeries are more common around this age group, but they may vary for everyone.
The average age for Cataract surgery in the United States is 73.
However, people may notice Cataract symptoms and changes in their vision after age 40.
To learn more about the average age for Cataract surgery, read Average Age for Cataract Surgery: Unveiling Age, Trends, and Considerations.
Types of Cataract Surgery
Source: PixelshotThere are three main types of Cataract surgery based on the type of surgical procedure that is used.
These three types include Extracapsular Cataract Extraction (ECCE), Manual Small-incision Cataract Surgery (MSICS), and Phacoemulsification.
In ECCE, only the affected portion of the lens is removed during the surgery, and then it is replaced with an Intraocular Lens (IOL).
Manual Small-incision Cataract surgery (MSICS) is a low-cost procedure and a form of ECCE.
In this procedure, a small incision is made to remove the Cataract-affected lens, and the stitches from the surgery can heal themselves.
Some doctors may choose Phacoemulsification, another procedure in which ultrasound breaks down the Cataract and is vacuumed out.
Earlier, doctors used the Intracapsular Cataract Extraction method, which involved the removal of the entire affected lens.
However, this procedure can have several complications, so the recent modern methods are usually preferred.
Types of Lenses for Cataract Surgery
There are five types of lenses for Cataract surgery: multifocal IOLs, monofocal IOLs, Accommodating IOLs, Toric IOLs, and the Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) IOLs.
The multifocal lens has several vision correction zones and can improve both near and distant vision.
These lenses work similarly to multifocal eyeglasses and can even fix intermediate vision.
Monofocal lenses are the most common choice and help get a clear vision for a particular focal point.
Accommodating IOLs can change their shape in one’s eyes and can help in focusing on several distances.
Toric lenses can help treat both Cataracts and post-surgery Astigmatism (uneven curving of the cornea).
People who use Extended Depth of Focus lenses can get a clearer vision for several distances since the lens can change the movement of light.
How is Cataract Surgery Done
Firstly, doctors use topical anesthesia to numb the eye area, and it helps in preventing any pain during the surgery.
After this process, surgeons make a small incision or cut in the cornea using a laser or blade.
In common surgical procedures like Phacoemulsification, ultrasound waves break up the Cataracts.
After breaking up the Cataract, the Cataract pieces are vacuumed out.
In the case of ECCE, the surgeon removes only the affected part of the lens and replaces it with an artificial lens.
How Long Between Cataract Surgery on Each Eye
The time between Cataract surgery on each eye depends on the individual’s health and their surgeon.
It is usually best to conduct the surgery for the other eye only after the first one has healed properly.
According to research, the waiting time between the first and the second Cataract surgery ranges between 9 and 417 days.
It is always best to consult your doctor to determine the best time for the next surgery.
Cataract Surgery Side Effects
Source: Siganture_imagesAlthough Cataract eye surgery is usually a safe and effective procedure, there are a few side effects after Cataract surgery.
Some people may experience temporary side effects like double vision, dry eyes, blurry vision, and sensitivity to light (photophobia).
Others may experience uncommon side effects like infection, bleeding, and inflammation.
Let us discuss these above-mentioned side effects in detail.
Double Vision After Cataract Surgery
Double vision after Cataract surgery is one of the most common side effects that happen due to the changes in the eye lens.
In some cases, people may experience it due to swelling in the cornea and dislocation of the IOL.
A person with double vision might notice two overlapping and ghosted images.
If you want to know more about double vision after Cataract surgery, read Understanding and Addressing Double Vision After Cataract Surgery.
Dry Eye After Cataract Surgery
Some people may experience dry eyes after Cataract surgery due to the effect of the surgery on the natural tear film.
Since there is a disturbance in the tear film of one’s eyes, there is a hindrance to normal tear production.
This results in dry eyes, which can also cause red eyes and can be a source of discomfort.
Do you want to know more about dry eye being a side effect of Cataract surgery? Read Dry Eye After Cataract Surgery: Symptoms, Treatment, and Eye Drops.
Uncommon Side Effects of Cataract Surgery
Some individuals can experience uncommon side effects of Cataract surgery, which includes bleeding and infections.
People who experience inflammation can experience it due to swelling in the retina.
The bleeding in the eyes may happen due to trauma or injury in the eyes during the procedure.
If the wound from the surgery does not heal properly, it can cause infections like Endophthalmitis (inflammation of the inner coats of the eye).
Individuals can experience this infection due to the long-term use of steroids as medication after the surgery.
Are you curious to learn more about the disadvantages of Cataract surgery? Read What are the Disadvantages of Cataract Surgery: Risks and Considerations.
After Cataract Surgery Care
Most people who undergo Cataract surgery may face mild discomfort, which requires aftercare.
Doctors often suggest lubricating eye drops to reduce the irritation and soothe the dry eyes after the surgery.
Since photophobia and eye floaters are common, doctors suggest using sunglasses while going out to reduce these symptoms.
People can use an eye shield before sleeping so that the eyes can remain unharmed during sleep.
If you want to learn more about post-Cataract surgery eye care, read Healing and Recovery: A Guide to Life After Cataract Surgery.
Sleeping Position After Cataract Surgery
It is important to maintain a proper sleeping position after the Cataract surgery to ensure speedy recovery.
Doctors usually suggest avoiding sleeping on one’s side or face down after the surgery.
Sleeping in these positions can increase one’s eye pressure and can increase eye stress, which slows down the healing process.
The rise in intraocular pressure may also cause eye strain, leading to discomfort.
Hence, experts always suggest sleeping on one’s back after the surgery as it can also prevent hurting one’s eyes accidentally.
If you want to learn more about the sleeping position after Cataract surgery, read The Best Sleeping Positions After Cataract Surgery: Tips and Recommendations.
Conclusion
Cataract surgery is the only effective solution for Cataracts since there are no proven eye drops for the condition as of now.
Doctors may opt for surgical methods like Extracapsular Cataract Extraction (ECCE), Manual Small-incision Cataract surgery (MSICS), and Phacoemulsification.
The lens that is used during the surgery includes multifocal IOLs, monofocal IOLs, Accommodating IOLs, Toric IOLs, and Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) IOLs.
However, some people may experience side effects like double vision and dry eyes.
Doctors often suggest sleeping on one’s back to avoid complications after the surgery.
Hence, it is always best to consult your doctor after the surgery to avoid any complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are normal symptoms after Cataract surgery?
Some of the normal symptoms after Cataract surgery include mild discomfort, red and itchy eyes, and temporary blurry vision. Some people experience photophobia, dry eyes, and double vision.
Is Cataract surgery painful?
No, Cataract surgery is usually not painful due to the anesthesia. The patients might only experience mild pain or increased eye pressure during the surgery, which does not linger for long.
How long does Cataract surgery take?
The duration of the Cataract surgery may range from 15 to 30 minutes. However, it may vary depending on the type of surgical procedure used and the surgeon.
What is the safest Cataract surgery?
The safest form of Cataract surgery is laser Cataract surgery. It is a highly safe and successful process and only involves the removal of the Cataracts using a laser.
How does Cataract surgery work?
During the Cataract surgery, the surgeon removes and replaces the affected lens with an artificial lens. The surgeon makes a small incision, breaks up the cloudy lens, removes it, and replaces it with an Intraocular Lens inserted.
Cheap Medicine Shop only refers to credible, authoritative sources for our content. If you’re curious about how we ensure the integrity of our content, we encourage you to read our Content Information Policy.
