No surgery happens with zero complications, and anyone seeking cataract surgery should expect these. You should know, however, that of the three million Americans undergoing cataract surgery each year, 99.5% of these patients have successful outcomes with minor complications.
The procedure typically takes only about 10 minutes. After the surgery, you will be on your journey to better vision. Along the way to full recovery, you will experience some discomforts, but those are minor and go away as your healing continues.
The Day of Cataract Surgery
About 30 minutes post laser eye surgery, you will feel groggy from the sedation or anesthesia. You will be advised to rest in the recovery area until your head clears.
You will not be allowed to drive, so it would be a good idea to bring someone to bring you home. At Sugarland Eye & Laser Center, a top LASIK and cataract surgery facility in Houston, Texas, eye doctors also provide their patients with sunglasses to protect the eyes from bright light and glare. Eye drops will also be provided. Use as instructed to aid in healing and to prevent infection. If you’re experiencing mild pain, inform your eye doctor so they can prescribe pain relievers.
Take it easy for the next few days to avoid trauma or injury to the eye. You will be advised not to engage in strenuous activities for a few weeks. The hours following surgery, however, you will be able to do normal activities such as watching TV, showering, or computer work. If you need to take a nap or sleep, use the protective shield provided by your doctor to prevent accidentally rubbing your eyes. You will need to wear the eye shield for several days following surgery.
Day After Surgery
Typically, you will be asked to return to your cataract surgeon for a follow-up appointment to make sure there are no major or threatening complications. Other follow-up appointments may be scheduled within one to three weeks after the surgery. A 24/7 number will be provided so you can report any unusual discomforts or pain.
Are There Other Things I Should Not Do?
To speed up your healing process, you will be advised to avoid certain activities for a few weeks following cataract surgery. These include:
- Heavy lifting and other strenuous activities like jogging and running
- Sports
- Swimming or using a hot tub for a week
- Eye makeup for about a week
- Rubbing your eyes
- Exposing your eyes to irritants such as grime and dust
How Soon Will I Recover?
Recovery time varies from patient to patient. Some report clear vision just a few hours after surgery while some have to wait for a week or two before they enjoy their new eyesight. If you experience some visual discomfort though, such as cloudy or blurred vision, reddish eye, and itchy or sticky eye, don’t be alarmed. These side effects are temporary and tend to go away after a few days. However, contact your ophthalmologist if you experience seeing flashes of light and floaters.
Houston LASIK & Eye leads in providing premium LASIK technologies to Houston, Sugar Land, and the surrounding region. The Center’s award-winning medical director introduced revolutionary technologies such as iLASIK to the region. This technology is used by NASA astronauts, Navy SEALS, and Air Force fighter pilots. At Houston LASIK & Eye, you can now receive the same treatment. For more information, please call (281) 240-0478.
Sources:
http://www.medicinenet.com/cataract_surgery/article.htm
