Surgery is the only proven method for treating and removing cataracts. To remove a hazy/ cloudy lens that is causing vision problems, cataract surgery is a quick and painless procedure. Next, your eye surgeon will place a new intraocular lens to correct both nearsightedness and farsightedness.Reach out to the top eye clinic for cataract treatment in Siliguri.
How Cataract Surgery Works – Let’s Explain
Cataract surgery today is a quicker outpatient procedure. It takes about 15 to 30 minutes for each eye based on how severe the condition is. Here’s a guide to what happens during the surgery:
Preparation and Anesthesia
Before the procedure, your eye surgeon will numb your affected eye using topical anesthesia, usually in the form of eye drops. This eye drop will numb your eye and keep you comfortable throughout the process.
Making a Small Incision
A small incision is made at the edge of the cornea (the clear front layer of the eye) by your eye surgeon. In advanced or today’s cataract surgery is a comfier experience, which has an incision that is often self-sealing. It means the incision needs no stitches and heals on its own.
Removing the Clouded Lens
There’s a highly effective method to treat cataracts is phacoemulsification, or “Phaco” in short. During this procedure, your eye surgeon inserts an ultrasonic device through the incision made, and the device breaks up the cloudy lens (cataract) into tiny fragments. After that, these tiny fragments are carefully suctioned out.
Placing the Artificial Lens
Next, your cataract surgeon will place an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) into the empty lens capsule (after the cataract has been removed). This artificial IOL is intended to be permanent. It will help restore vision affected by cataracts.
Closing the Incision
Since it is a self-sealing incision, the eye typically heals without the need for stitches. After the surgery, your cataract surgeon will tape a shield over your eye to protect it. See the most trusted eye doctor for cataract surgery at the best eye clinic in Siliguri.
What to Expect During Recovery – Here’s What to Know
Post-surgery recovery in cataract surgery is generally smooth. Recovery periods demand patience and instructions to strictly follow. In most cases, to fully heal from cataract surgery, it takes some four weeks.
Immediate Post-Surgery Period (First 24 Hours)
After surgery, doctors usually discharge patients within an hour. Vision might seem blurry soon after surgery or initially. It is because your eye adjusts to the new lens.
Many patients experience light sensitivity, mild swelling, mild discomfort, gritty feeling, bloodshot eyes, or watery eyes. However, these symptoms usually subside within a day or two (after cataract surgery).
Here are a few tips to follow during recovery:
- Avoid any activities that may strain your eyes, or you will end up complicating recovery.
- Keep the protective shield on as instructed by your cataract surgeon to prevent accidental contact.
- Even though it may feel tempting, don’t rub or touch your eye to prevent irritation and infection.
- Bright lights must be avoided during initial recovery. You must wear sunglasses recommended when going outside, and use dim lighting indoors to ensure comfort.
You will need a family member, friend, or assistant to hear this information, and help you follow.
Vital tips to follow upon returning home:
- Use prescribed eye drops as your surgeon recommends
- Eat light food
- Stay hydrated
- Don’t lift heavy objects or drive
- Don’t get water, shampoo, or soap in your initial days of recovery
Advanced cataract surgery minimizes the risk of complications and improves your vision in the best way possible. Ensure follow-up checkups as guided and always discuss concerns and post-surgery care tips with your eye doctor. This will make your recovery easier. Get the best cataract treatment in Siliguri at Himalayan Eye Institute.
