Everything You Need To Know About Cataract Surgery

1. Everything You Need To Know About Cataract Surgery Cataract surgery is usually only offered once a patient experiences vision loss, but there are considerations, where the ophthalmologist will consider subtle vision changes, such as loss of colour perception or contrast. It's not uncommon for colours to fade when you have cataracts, they become dull, you may even have trouble seeing at night. These are when the early signs start to impact your vision in a negative way and surgery is your only option. In the past, ophthalmologists would only perform cataract surgery on mature cataracts, where they could be removed in one piece. Using the latest technologies of laser and ultrasound, the surgeon can break up the cataract into easy-to-remove pieces. It has been proven that when the cataract is immature, surgery and recovery are faster. The good news is that if you have been put forward for cataract surgery, there is no pain. There is a sensation of pressure, which occurs around the eye. Most surgeons use a local anaesthetic, which is given via eye drops, others use an anaesthetic block around the eye. Very nervous patients can opt for general anaesthetic, where you are sleeping through the entire operation. The majority of patients can return to driving within forty-eight hours after the operation. The advice is to only start driving when you feel comfortable in doing so. It's recommended to avoid driving long distances for at least away, reducing straining the eye and giving it time to heal. Wearing sunglasses will minimise how bright lights and sunlight affect the eyes. There isn't much downtime associated with cataract surgery and most patients can return to their normal daily activities within a day or two of surgery. Everyone is different and some may heal faster than others. It's important when doing daily chores to avoid irritating the eye. Irritations can occur from dirt, dust, and wind. Most ophthalmologists will recommend you stay clear of the heavy lifting for at least a week after surgery. If you have your operation during summer, you may want to get back into the swimming pool, but it is advised to stay away from swimming for a minimum of a month after your cataract surgery, this reduces the risk of infection. Swimming pools are brimming with germs and viruses that can get into your eye. You also don't want to head off to the gym and do a heavy workout within a week of surgery. Walking is advisable to keep you active for the first week. The majority of patients see results immediately after surgery, though some may take slightly longer to see the improvements. Vision tends to fluctuate after the surgery as the eye heals, but this will stabilise within a month. Some conditions, such as diabetes can slow the healing process and it may take you longer to heal than someone without Diabetes. In addition to this, it's important to note that a cataract will not return. The surgery is a once-off procedure. The artificial lens will not develop into a cataract, but scar tissue can develop behind the implant, known as a posterior capsule pacification, this can be removed quickly using the laser.

2. Finally, if you're worried about stitches, most cataract surgeries do not require stitches. It is a keyhole surgery with a tiny incision. The lens is inserted in a very thin cartridge which unfolds when in place. With complicated and complex surgeries, you may need one or two stitches, which will be removed within a couple of weeks of your operation. About Us: Mahi Muqit is a leading consultant ophthalmologist, cataract, and vitreoretinal surgeon at two private clinics in London, United Kingdom. He provides patients with superior service and support with a range of surgical procedures to meet their eyesight requirements. He has built up a solid reputation for his eye services in the London area as an expert eye doctor and surgeon offering surgical retina, medical retina, and complex cataract surgery. He also offers surgery to patients suffering from diabetic retinopathy. Mahi Muqit is a member of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, a member of the British and Eire Association of Vitreoretinal Surgeons, and the UK and Ireland Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons. To find out more, visit https://www.retinasurgeon.uk.com.