Have you been recommended cataract surgery by your ophthalmologist? Before you prepare for the procedure you should understand your options to make an informed decision. As it is the case with most health conditions cataracts are unique. The chances of only some treatment options being appropriate for you are high. Therefore, you should consider the following before you decide to undergo the procedure suggested by the ophthalmologist.
During the initial exam, your optometrist will examine your eyes to understand whether the cataract needs to be removed or other options can be used to improve your sight. They may consider myopia control which can help to reduce the risk of threatening complications for your vision and create additional problems in later stages of life. Ignoring myopia control could even expose you to the risks of glaucoma screening to prevent extreme cases. However, as you have only been recommended cataract surgery after cataract screening you may as well prepare for the same in advance.
The Approach to Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is performed in two different ways which are the traditional and the laser-assisted variety. Given below are the differences between the two:
Phacoemulsification is the term for cataract surgery of the traditional variety in which the ophthalmologist creates a tiny incision in the side of the cornea with a scalpel. The incision will receive a microsurgical instrument that will head behind the pupil toward the lens capsule. A circular opening will be created by the surgeon by using the microsurgical instrument. Thereafter a tiny probe will be inserted into the opening to apply soundwaves that can break up the cloudy center of the lens. The probe will use suction to remove any pieces within the eye. Finally, an artificial lens replaces the natural lens that has clouded as it is implanted by the surgeon.
An ultrasound imaging device is placed over the eyes during the laser-assisted surgery to assess the situation. The findings are uploaded to a computer by the device which computes the size of the laser, location, and depth. When creating the incision the surgeon uses the laser to create the same in the cornea and lens capsule. An ultrasound probe will be inserted similar to the traditional approach for breaking down and removing the cloudy center of the lens. Surgeons throughout America are performing this procedure for the benefit of patients.
The two procedures mentioned have excellent track records. Fantastic results have been observed from traditional cataract surgeries for many decades. Laser-assisted surgery can offer more precise cataract removal quickly and cleanly.
Type of Lens Provided After Cataract Surgery
The surgeon will be implanting intraocular lenses after the contracts are removed for ensuring excellent vision. Before the introduction of intraocular lenses, patients were required to wear contact lenses or thick glasses to view properly. Presently premium varieties of intraocular lenses are available which can be implanted. These have specific features that are setting them apart from the standard single vision intraocular lens. Your cataract surgeon can provide you the help needed to determine which one is suitable for your needs.
The Surgeon Conducting the Surgery
You must find a skilled and experienced surgeon for the cataract surgery recommended to you. The surgeon should have:
- A successful record of cataract surgeries.
- He or she should be able to cover all the outcomes and options of the procedure thoroughly.
- They should be confident to offer you a surgical option best suited to your needs.
- Most importantly, you must be comfortable working with the surgeon.
Preoperative Considerations Of the Surgery
Before the surgery, it is recommended that you do not have any food for at least 12 hours before the operation. Apply any eye drops to minimize the risks of infections. Have a plan in hand for the recovery by taking time off work, requesting help from a friend or family member to drive you home.
Postoperative Considerations
Avoid scratching your eyes and follow the instructions provided by the surgeon for postoperative care. Prepare yourself to experience some short term blurriness, itching, and discomfort.
Bear in mind that these are just a few things that you need to accomplish. The kind of procedure you have chosen may require you to prepare differently before the operation. It is suggested that you question your surgeon about them during your consultation.
