Some Basic Information About Cataract Surgery

If one or both of your eyes seems cloudy and is not so easy to see out of anymore then you may be suffering from cataract disease. When the lens of the eye takes on an opaque quality it can cause problems with vision. Cataract surgery is often the route that doctors recommend to patients who have advanced cataracts. 

Cataracts are a very common medical problem that afflicts the eyes and often happens as part of the gradual steps that take place as we age. However in some individuals the condition develops not gradually but very fast. Often the condition affects both eyes but it may advance more rapidly in one eye. 

An estimated 60 percent of the population who are over the age of 60 years suffer from cataracts in one form or another. For this reason cataract surgery is a very commonly performed operation. There are more than 1.5 million surgeries of this kind performed in the nation on an annual basis. 

If cataract surgery is the most desirable form of treatment for you then prior to the operation date the ophthalmologist will explain all of the steps that will take place once the procedure gets underway. Either the eye doctor or an assistant will do a very quick examination of your eyes and then will ask you some pertinent questions for your medical records regarding your health and medical history. If you are currently taking any medications then you should find out from the ophthalmologist at this time if you should stop taking them before your eye operation and if so for how long before. 

Before your surgery date arrives the physician will need to make some calculations that will then be used to figure out how strong the intraocular lens is in relation to the implant. The artificial lens will be selected based upon the cornea’s curvature which is the front of the eye that is clear, as well as the eye’s length. These measurements are imperative for the surgical procedure to go ahead as planned. 

The ophthalmologist will give you a list of preoperative instructions that you are expected to follow. This will help to ensure a safe surgery that is free of complications. You will be directed to not eat or drink anything after 12 AM on the day that precedes your cataract surgery. 

Surgery that is performed on cataracts is done on an outpatient basis which means that you will not have to stay overnight in the hospital. The surgery will take place either in a hospital or an ambulatory surgery center. Due to the fact that you will be having day surgery it is necessary for you to make arrangements with someone in your life who can be with you at the hospital and who can drive you home after the operation is over. It would be a very good idea as well if you could find someone who would be willing and able to stay with you for a day or two if you live by yourself. You may need help for the first couple of days when it comes to doing basic living tasks.