Cataracts can develop as people age. In addition to aging, cataracts can occur due to various reasons such as diabetes, glaucoma, exposure to UV light, or an eye injury. Younger people can also suffer from cataracts for a number of reasons. In fact, some babies are born with cataracts. At first, one may not have any symptoms. However, gradually the sight becomes cloudy and misty. Some people even complain of glare in bright light and deteriorating night vision. To know more, check this useful read on cataracts and their symptoms. If the symptoms affect your day-to-day activities such as reading or driving, it is better to have the cloudy lens removed.
Cataract Surgery in Kolkata – Facts Vs Myths
Unfortunately, there is a myriad of myths surrounding cataract surgery. If you too are worried about the safety of cataract surgery, check this article debunking some of the common myths related to cataract and cataract surgery. If you want to know more about the cataract surgery procedure and treatment, here is a useful resource . Types of surgeries that we do include:
- Phacoemulsification with foldable IOL implantation. Femtosecond Laser is used to performing a few steps of surgery in phacoemulsification.
- Manual small incision cataract surgery.
What Happens After the Surgery?
After your surgery, the hospital will give you an eye pad or shield to cover your eyes. You must ask someone to drive you home after the surgery. Also, you will have to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from bright light and glare. After the surgery, you may experience double vision, but your vision will gradually get better.
Your eye doctor will give you post-operative eye drops – you will be given instructions on how and when to use them. Instructions you need to follow for at least 2 weeks after your operation include:
- During the healing period, your eyes will be very sensitive. Hence, it is important to not rub or touch your eyes.
- Wear your eye shield at nights during the recovery time. It is to ensure that you do not touch or rub your eyes in sleep.
- Do not splash water directly into your eyes until your eye has healed from surgery. Exposure to water can cause eye irritation or worse, it can put eyes at risk of infection. When taking a bath, avoid getting shampoo or soap in your eyes. Ask your doctor when it is safe to begin swimming or taking a head bath. In most cases, that will be a few weeks.
- Clean your eye shield every day. Dry them well before wearing them.
- Avoid strenuous activities such as heavy lifting and gardening for a couple of weeks. Strenuous activities can increase your eye pressure which can affect the incision before it fully heals.
- If your eyes are sticky, clean the margins and eyelids with cotton wool dipped in cooled boiled water. Before cleaning your eyes, wash your hands with soap and water and dry them with a clean towel. Gently wipe off the discharge. Do not rub your eyes while cleaning.
- Your eye doctor will prescribe you antibiotics and anti-inflammatory eye drops.
- Use your eye drops and take the medications as instructed by your doctor.
- Reduce the time spent on watching TV or digital screens. Do not put extra strain on your eyes during the healing period.
- Do not resume driving without consulting your eye doctor.
- To prevent infections, avoid meeting too many people.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions.
Contact your eye doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms after the cataract surgery:
- Eye pain
- Loss of vision
- Floaters
- Flashes
- Nausea
- Excessive coughing
Hope you found this information useful. To know more about cataract surgery in Kolkata and other cities of West Bengal, contact us.