Talking About Eye-Related Health Problems

Vision correction with eyeglasses and contact lenses is common, but certain issues with the eye may require surgery. Considering the development of cataracts can cause blurriness, double vision, and blindness if left untreated, understanding this condition is essential for your vision and underlying health. Thankfully, surgical removal of cataracts is possible. While surprising to hear, half of Americans have had a cataract or cataract surgery by the age of 80, so you may also require this procedure to improve your vision. Although effective in most cases, proper recovery is imperative to ensure an effective surgery. Using this guide, you will have the tools necessary to recovery in an efficient, effective manner of your cataract surgery.

 Surgery 101

The method of recovery will depend on the type of procedure you have, so understanding the different surgeries is smart. Here are two common surgeries to remove cataracts:

• Phaco – Phacoemulsification, or Phaco, breaks apart the cataract before removing from your eye. The procedure uses ultrasound technology, so it is an less invasive option. Of course, a small incision is required to completely remove the cataract.
• Extracapsular – Your surgeon will need to make a larger incision in the cornea to remove the cataracts during extracapsular surgery. This incision creates the space needed to remove the cloudy lens before inserting an artificial lens in place.

Since there are different options available, you should discuss each procedure in detail with your doctor before selecting the option suited to your needs. Fortunately, cataract surgeries are effective in 98 percent of cases. Of course, following your surgeon's orders is important to ensure the best chances of success.

Phaco Recovery

Phaco is a common choice, since it is less invasive, but your surgeon will still recommend rest after the procedure. After the surgery, you will remain in a recovery area of the hospital for a few hours before going home.

Once home, you should continue resting for the day. You may feel fatigued and drowsy, so consider sleeping the remaining part of the day. Your surgeon will give you a shield to wear over the eyes while sleeping.

Since the incision used in the Phaco procedure is very small, it should heal itself without the use of stitches. Unfortunately, you may experience light pain and discomfort around the incision site. However, an over-the-counter pain medication will be sufficient for relief. To prevent nausea and vomiting, eat only light meals.

You may notice dark spots in your vision after the surgery as well. This spotting should stop after a few days, but notify your doctor if it continues. Make sure to schedule a post-operative exam the day after the procedure.

Extracapsular Recovery

If you have undergone extracapsular cataract surgery, you may experience more discomfort after the procedure. This is due to the larger incision and the implantation of an artificial lens. Your surgeon will give you a prescription pain relief to decrease your discomfort, but the use of warm compresses is also beneficial for alleviating the pain and pressure in the eye.

To use a warm compress, soak a cloth in hot water and wring out the excess liquid. Allow the cloth to cool slightly, ensuring it is not overly hot. Do not remove your post-operative eye patch, but place the warm cloth over the eye and allow it to remain in place for a few minutes. This will ease away the pain and pressure in the eye after your surgery. Repeat the process a few times per day for relief.

You will most likely need to wear your eye glasses during the day after your extracapsular surgery. In addition, an eye shield is necessary to protect the eye while asleep. Antibacterial eye drops should be prescribed and used multiple times per day to prevent infections in and around the incision site.

Phaco and extracapsular surgeries are effective options for removing cataracts and improving your vision, but proper recovery is essential. Using this guide an the help of your ophthalmologist, you will understand which procedure is best for your needs and learn how to recover for the best chance of success.  

For more information, contact a business like Discover  Vision Centers.