Cataracts are a serious condition. When someone develops cataracts, it means that the lens of their eye has started to become cloudy. Cataracts can cause blurred vision and difficulty seeing. If left untreated, it can eventually cause total loss of sight. To treat cataracts, an eye doctor will need to perform cataract surgery to remove the damaged portion of your eye's lens. Here is what you can expect from cataract surgery:
1. You will be awake for the procedure.
Cataract surgery is performed using local anesthesia, which means you'll be awake during the operation. Before the procedure begins, your eye doctor will administer numbing eye drops into your eyes. You may feel some pressure during the eye cataract surgery, but you should not feel any pain. If you're particularly nervous about the surgery, you may choose to take a sedative beforehand.
2. You will receive an artificial lens.
Your eye doctor will remove the part of your eye's lens that is clouded with cataracts. They will then replace the lens they removed with an artificial lens. This lens will protect your eye and help you see. Artificial lenses are usually made from silicone, which is an inert substance that closely mimics the natural material of your cornea.
3. You should feel better within a few days.
Your eyes will heal relatively quickly. At first, your vision may be a little unclear. After a couple of days have passed, your eye will start to feel better and you will be able to see clearly. Any initial pain and itching should resolve within a few days. You can take ibuprofen or a similar mild painkiller to counteract any discomfort you feel following your surgery.
4. You should follow all your doctor's instructions.
After your surgery, your doctor will give you some instructions to ensure you heal properly. They will give you a special guard to wear over your eye at night, which will prevent you from rubbing or injuring it in your sleep. Your eye will be more sensitive in the weeks following your surgery, so you should wear sunglasses whenever you're outside to protect it from harsh sunlight. Make sure to attend all your followup doctor's appointments so your eye doctor can monitor your recovery.
If you have any additional questions about eye cataract surgery, you should ask your eye doctor. They will answer your questions to the best of their ability, so you can feel confident and reassured when undergoing this operation.
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