A cataract is a cloudy area that forms on the lens of your eye, which grows over time, obscuring your vision. If you have cataracts in one eye, they are likely to develop in the other eye, necessitating cataract surgery on both eyes. Here is how long to wait between cataract surgeries on each eye:
How Do I Prepare for Cataract Surgery?
When you visit your eye doctor for cataracts, they examine your eye and take measurements to determine its size and shape. This is necessary for determining the right lens size for your eyes. Your doctor may also ask whether you are under any medications and may give you medicated eye drops to start using before the surgery. You may also be advised to avoid drinking alcohol before your surgery.
What Happens During Surgery?
During Cataract surgery, your eye doctor can make a small incision in the eye and remove the cloudy lens. They then insert an artificial intraocular lens to replace the old lens.
You may not need stitches after lens placement because the incision during the surgery is very small. During surgery, your eye doctor may choose a lens that caters to your visual needs. Below are some post-surgery lens options for patients with cataracts:
Monofocal Lenses
These are the standard lenses that are covered by most insurance providers. These lenses optimize your vision at a specific distance. You will need glasses if you are far-sighted or near-sighted.
Multifocal Lenses
These lenses allow you to see far and near distances by splitting light into the eyes. Splitting light may cause halos in your vision, though your eyes can adapt with time.
Toric Lenses
Toric lenses have a unique shape that provides better focus, making them an excellent choice for correcting astigmatism, near-sightedness, and far-sightedness.
Patients can enjoy improved vision after surgery. Their eyes may better tolerate bright lights and differentiate between colors. They may also experience reduced glare from bright lights.
What Is the Cataract Surgery Recovery Time?
You may need several weeks to recover fully from surgery. Once you get the surgery, your doctor may send you home with a special shield or eyeglasses to protect your eyes from direct light. You may experience discomfort and eye sensitivity, but that should go away after a few days.
During your recovery time, you may need to avoid strenuous activities to prevent eye damage. Avoid touching your eyes to minimize the risk of infection. Other activities you should avoid after surgery include the following:
- Exposing your eyes to water
- Wearing eye makeup
- Rubbing your eyes
- Exposing your eyes to soap or shampoo
Have someone drive you home after your cataract surgery because your vision may not be clear immediately after. Avoid getting behind the wheel until you have clearance from your doctor.
Can I Have Surgery on Both Eyes at the Same Time?
Eye doctors may not recommend doing the procedure on both eyes in one session because the surgery temporarily affects your vision. There is also the rare risk of infection, which may spread to your other eye if you have surgery on both eyes at the same time.
If you have cataracts in both eyes, your doctor may operate on the eye that is most affected first. After the recovery period is over, you may look into scheduling surgery for your other eye.
What Are the Possible Complications of Surgery?
While this surgery is fairly safe, a patient may experience the following risks on rare occasions:
- Vision loss
- Blurry or double vision
- Pain
- Swelling or bleeding
- Infection
- Retinal detachment
All the above complications are treatable. If you regularly schedule your eye checkups after your surgery, your doctor can spot complications before they become severe. Notify your doctor immediately if you experience anything unusual after your surgery.
Complications may delay your recovery, forcing you to postpone surgery on your other eye. If you follow your doctor’s instructions, recovery should be simple and quick.
Improve Your Vision Today
Cataract surgery is a minimal-risk outpatient procedure that helps to restore your vision. Doctors avoid performing cataract surgery on both eyes at the same time to avoid compromising your recovery and reduce your discomfort. Following your doctor’s instructions after surgery may help speed up your recovery. This can allow you to get surgery on your other eye as soon as possible. Visit a reliable ophthalmologist to learn how to get started on obtaining better vision today.