What Is Cataract Surgery? Should I Be Worried?
Has your eye doctor suggested that you undergo cataract surgery? If so, you shouldn't be too worried. It is a relatively quick outpatient procedure that is very safe. Of course, many people are understandably worried about any type of surgery in or around their eyes. This article briefly explains what cataract surgery is and what to expect during the procedure. This should help you make the right decision on whether or not it is a surgery you are willing to undergo.
What is Cataract Surgery?
Before you can understand the surgery, you probably need to know what a cataract is. Basically, it is a lens in your eye that has become foggy. As a result of a cataract, vision becomes blurred and light glare becomes a more serious problem. So, cataract surgery involves removing the foggy lens and putting in an artificial replacement. Most eye doctors will only suggest cataract surgery when the vision has become so bad that it is impairing a patient's daily life or career. Many people will develop very mild cataracts that don't really cause any problems (at first). This is why the doctor will often leave it up to the patient to decide whether or not the surgery is necessary.
What is the Procedure Like?
When you show up to the doctor for your procedure, you will be prepped with special eyedrops and receive local anesthetic to reduce the pain. Of course, you usually have the option of taking a sedative to help calm your nerves. This might be a good idea if you are particularly nervous during such operations. First, the doctor will make a small incision in your cornea. The doctor will then remove the cataract in one of two common methods. The first method involves using a microscopic ultrasound to break up the cataract, and then suck it out. The second method is a little more rudimentary. The doctor will simply make a larger incision and then pull out the cloudy portion of the lens.
Once the cataract is removed, a new, artificial lens is set in place. The placement of the new lens is fairly technical work and it takes a little bit of time. In the end, your incision will be stitched up and you will be sent on your way. You may not be able to drive for a couple of days, and your doctor will likely suggest that you stay at home and rest. In the end, the procedure is not too harrowing, and it is well worth having improved vision. Click here for more information about eye surgery.