What to Expect With Cataract Surgery
- Posted on: Aug 15 2022
Cataracts can have a detrimental effect on your daily life. Cloudy vision makes it difficult to accomplish tasks and enjoy the sights around you. Most people hope that cataracts will eventually resolve themselves, but this can be dangerous thinking. Addressing cataracts before they cause long-term damage is essential to living a quality life. Here is how cataract surgery can help you see your best and what you can expect from the procedure.
Who Gets Cataracts?
Cataracts affect more than 50 percent of people over the age of 60. Most people unknowingly start developing cataracts in their 40s and begin noticing symptoms in their 60s.
The majority of cataracts are age-related. But, other instances can lead to the development of cataracts.
For instance, a traumatic injury may contribute to cataract growth in one or both eyes after the incident. Also, some cataracts develop from the onset of a disease such as diabetes or other illnesses.
Other risk factors for cataracts include:
- Family history
- High Blood Pressure
- Smoking
- Use of steroids
- Too much exposure to sunlight
- Living at a high altitude
When to Consider Cataract Surgery
Doctors can use several methods to deal with cataracts. Stronger lens prescriptions and anti-glare can help with symptoms, but they don’t always provide a long-term solution. Based on your case, your doctor may recommend cataract surgery if cataracts progress.
Is Cataract Surgery Painful?
Some people fear the idea of cataract surgery for fear of pain or complications from the procedure. But, cataract surgery involves little to no discomfort. Before surgery, you may receive a mild sedative with eye drops to relax and numb the eye. There is no anesthesia for the procedure, so you can stay awake and ask questions if you’d like.
You may experience slight discomfort after surgery, but over-the-counter pain medication can be enough to treat it. Doctors monitor you for a short while after the procedure to ensure no complications. After the monitoring period is over, you can return home.
Your vision may be blurry for a few days, but you can expect improvements over several days.
It may take up to two months for a full recovery, but recovery time depends on your unique case.
If you would like to learn more about options to treat your cataracts, we are happy to help. Schedule a consultation with Physicians Eye Clinic. Call our Everett office at (425) 259-2020.
Posted in: Cataract
