Before and After Cataract Surgery: Things To Know
Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed eye procedures, helping to restore clearer vision that has been affected by a cloudy lens.
If you’re preparing for the procedure or are wondering what to expect after surgery, there are some important things to keep in mind. From pre-surgery instructions to post-surgery precautions, understanding each aspect of the process can help you feel prepared.
If you think you have a cataract, please get in touch with our team at Valley Eye Specialists in Brisbane. A thorough assessment of your eyes can provide an accurate diagnosis, which will allow our specialists to determine the best treatment method moving forward.
What are cataracts?
A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which affects vision by making it blurry to some extent. The lens is normally clear, allowing light to pass through and focus on the retina. When a cataract develops, this clarity is reduced, leading to visual symptoms that can interfere with daily activities.
Cataracts usually develop gradually over time and are most commonly linked to ageing, though they can also occur due to factors like eye injuries, certain medical conditions, or long-term use of medications such as steroids.
Symptoms can include blurry vision, sensitivity to light, difficulty seeing at night, and noticing colours appearing faded or yellowed. Since cataracts cause a gradual decline in vision, many people do not notice the changes at first. However, as they progress, they can start to interfere with tasks like reading, driving, or recognising faces.
When this happens, cataract surgery may be recommended to improve vision by replacing the clouded lens with an intraocular artificial lens.
How is cataract surgery performed?
Depending on your needs, cataract surgery can be performed with a local anaesthetic (with or without sedation), or under a general anaesthetic.
Before the procedure, you’ll discuss anaesthesia with your ophthalmologist and anaesthetist so that you know what to expect. Regardless of the type of anaesthesia used, the team at your specific hospital will monitor your comfort levels throughout the procedure.
You’ll also discuss how the procedure is performed in more detail. Typically, the procedure uses very tiny incisions, which tend to heal without needing stitches. To remove the cloudy lens, advanced microscopic ultrasound techniques are used.
Once the affected lens has been removed, it can then be replaced with a type of intraocular artificial lens that is suited to your needs.
What to do before cataract surgery
Your process always begins with a thorough consultation, which will involve in-depth, comprehensive assessments of the health of your eyes.
During the assessment, diagnostic imaging and measurements are typically required to provide an accurate overview of your eye’s condition. Your ophthalmologist will also need to discuss your overall health, including your medical history and any medications or supplements you are taking.
Once your surgery has been planned, your ophthalmologist will provide you with any specific instructions you’ll need to follow before your surgery. Your preparation for the procedure may include fasting for a certain period or adjusting medications, particularly if you take blood thinners or diabetes medication. Since these adjustments will depend on your individual health, it’s important that you follow your ophthalmologist’s advice closely.
On the day of your cataract surgery, you’ll need to remove any jewellery or valuables, so we recommend leaving these at home. To prepare your eyes for the procedure, eye drops will need to be placed, which will help dilate your pupil.
Steps to follow after the procedure and normal symptoms to expect
Your ophthalmologist will provide you with detailed recovery instructions based on your individual case, and it’s important to follow these closely.
Straight after the procedure, you’ll be closely monitored in a recovery area as you wake up or recover from the anaesthesia. Your eye will typically be covered with a protective shield, which you’ll need to wear while sleeping for the first week to help prevent accidental rubbing or pressure on the eye as it heals.
Once you are able to return home, you won’t be able to drive, due to the effects of the anaesthesia and because vision can take some time to stabilise. We recommend organising transportation home before the day of your surgery. Your ophthalmologist will let you know when it’s okay to resume driving. This may be within a few days or a little longer, depending on how well your eyes are healing.
We recommend having someone stay with you at home for at least the first night after surgery, to help monitor you and help with general tasks. It can take some time to adjust after the procedure, so having some support can help you avoid attempting tasks too quickly.
In the first few days after cataract surgery, it’s common to notice some watering or redness in the eye. Some patients may also experience a mild scratchy sensation, but there shouldn’t be any significant pain.
While vision may improve soon after surgery, it doesn’t always happen immediately. It can take around one to three weeks for vision to stabilise, depending on individual healing and the specific details of the surgery. If you notice any increasing pain, worsening vision, or significant redness, it’s important to contact your ophthalmologist as soon as possible for advice.
During your recovery, you’ll be provided with eye drops that need to be used regularly for four weeks after surgery. These drops play a key role in recovery, as they help to prevent infection and reduce inflammation. Your ophthalmologist will explain how often to use them and for how long, so it’s important to follow these instructions carefully.
You’ll also need to take some precautions with physical activities. For at least the first four weeks, you’ll be advised to avoid bending down or lifting heavy objects, as this can put pressure on the eye. You’ll also need to be mindful of keeping the eye clean and dry, avoiding water exposure that could introduce bacteria. This means taking extra care while showering and avoiding swimming or spa use during the early recovery period.
After your surgery, you’ll have some follow-up appointments scheduled at our clinic to make sure that you’re healing as expected. During these appointments, you are welcome to ask any questions or raise any concerns, so that we can provide you with the right support.
Secondary cataracts after surgery and how they can be treated
In some cases after cataract surgery, patients may develop opacification behind the intraocular lens. This is sometimes referred to as a secondary cataract.
While this can cause a gradual decline in vision clarity, it can be treated with a laser procedure known as a YAG laser posterior capsulotomy. The laser treatment helps to clear the opacified area.
During your follow-up appointments, your ophthalmologist will assess your eyes for any signs that a secondary cataract has occurred. If it has, you’ll then be able to discuss your options and the details of treatment, if it will be necessary to perform.
Valley Eye Specialists: Experienced Ophthalmologists in Brisbane
When it comes to eye surgery, choosing a comprehensive ophthalmology practice is essential to receiving a high-quality level of care.
At the Valley Eye, our experienced ophthalmologists provide routine and urgent care for a variety of eye conditions, including cataracts.
Our cataract procedures are typically performed as a day surgery at either Brisbane Day Surgery in Spring Hill or at North West Private Hospital in Everton Park.
To schedule your consultation and begin with a thorough eye assessment, please get in touch with our team.