Cataracts are very likely to develop sometime after your 50th birthday. According to the National Eye Institute, you have a better than 50% chance of having a cataract or having had cataract surgery by the time you reach your 80th birthday. Cataracts are an age-related condition that causes a clouding of the lens in your eye and necessitate surgery if you want to see clearly again.
Our highly regarded ophthalmologists at Kamdar Eye Hospital of Ophthalmology routinely perform cutting-edge cataract surgery to restore vision for men and women in India and around the world. Our patients include both celebrities and ordinary people. Here’s what to expect before, during, and after cataract surgery if you need to see clearly again.
Before cataract surgery
Cataracts typically cause cloudy vision and make colours appear less vibrant before surgery. Cataracts may continue to grow in size if not treated, resulting in vision loss and, eventually, blindness. Wearing glasses no longer helps you see clearly because cataracts cloud the lens inside your eye.
Losing your vision can be both frustrating and frightening. With today’s advanced laser technology and the expertise of our skilled ophthalmologists at Beverly Hills Institute of Ophthalmology, removing cataracts and replacing your lens with a new, clear one is a relatively simple and effective in-office procedure.
You may be a good candidate for cataract surgery
You may be a good candidate for cataract surgery if you have any of the following vision problems:
- Vision that is clouded or blurred
- Light sensitivity
- Difficulties reading or watching television
- Colors appear dim and dingy.
To prepare, we’ll examine your eyes carefully, talk about your overall health, and assess the size and location of your cataracts. We also take measurements of your eyes to determine the best type of intraocular lens for you (IOL). During cataract surgery, the new IOL replaces your natural lens, allowing you to see clearly without glasses.
You may need to stop taking certain medications and start using antibiotic eye drops before having cataract surgery to reduce your risk of infection.
Choosing your IOL
We choose the best IOL for you based on your vision needs. You won’t be able to see or feel your new lens once it has become a permanent part of your eye, but you will have better vision. Among the IOLs that are available are:
- IOLs with a single focal point to correct either nearsightedness or farsightedness
- Multifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs) that correct both nearsightedness and farsightedness with a single lens
- IOLs for astigmatism (toric) to eliminate astigmatism and allow you to see clearly far away
Many people see even better after cataract surgery with a new IOL, because the implanted corrective lens often reduces or eliminates the need for glasses.
During cataract surgery
During surgery, we use a local anaesthetic to numb your eye so you don’t feel anything. You will be awake during the procedure, but you will not be able to see what is going on in your eye. At Beverly Hills Institute of Ophthalmology, our ophthalmologists use a cutting-edge femtosecond laser to perform cataract surgery.
First, we use a laser to make a tiny incision near the edge of your cornea in your eye, and then we use ultrasound to emulsify the cataract and your natural lens. We remove the emulsified material from your old lens via a tiny incision and replace it with a new, clear intraocular lens. This part of the procedure takes about 15 minutes, but you’ll be in the office for a little longer to prepare your eye for surgery and then for a short recovery period.
After cataract surgery
Once your new IOL is in place, it becomes a permanent part of your eye and provides long-term improved vision. Because you won’t be able to drive right away, make arrangements for a friend or family member to drive you home.
As your eye adjusts to your new lens and heals from surgery, your vision may become blurry at first. Colors may appear brighter immediately after surgery, as cataracts typically cause colours to appear dim and dingy. You’ll be scheduled for an eye exam a day or two after cataract surgery so that we can track your progress.
It’s normal for your eye to feel itchy or irritated in the days following surgery. You may need to sleep with a protective shield over your eye for a few days. You’ll apply eye drops as directed by your doctor, and you should avoid rubbing your eyes or engaging in strenuous activities for about a week.
Cataract surgery can take up to a month to fully recover from, but you’ll notice a difference in your vision very quickly after surgery, usually within a few days.
If you’ve been diagnosed with cataracts or are experiencing any of the symptoms, cataract surgery can restore your ability to see clearly in the world. It’s a breath of fresh air for many adults to finally be able to see the world through a crisp, clear lens.
Determine whether cataract surgery is right for you. To schedule a consultation, please call the office.
The doctors at Dr Kamdar Eye Hospital specialise in LASIK, cataract, cornea, retina, and glaucoma treatments.
The hospital has cutting-edge medical facilities that pair cutting-edge technology with the most experienced ophthalmologists. Our goal is to help you realise your best vision.
Please call or visit Dr Kamdar Eye Hospital for more information or to schedule an appointment with a consultant.