Cataract surgery comes in various kinds, including extracapsular surgery and small incision cataract surgery.
Cataracts are spots on the eye’s lens that make vision blurry or cloudy. They typically develop slowly, and while they most commonly affect individuals aged 55 and older, younger individuals may also get cataracts.
There’s no guaranteed way to stop cataracts from creating. However, putting on sunglasses and ceasing smoking may help gradual their progress. Right now, the only way to treat cataracts is through surgery. This involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with a clear, artificial one.
Who Should Consider Cataract Surgery and Why?
Not all cataracts need surgery. In the beginning, cataracts might only cause small problems, like making it harder to see things up close. Sometimes, these issues can be fixed with glasses.
Cataracts develop slowly, and they gradually make your vision worse. Surgery is typically needed only when the vision problems start affecting daily activities, like reading, cooking, or driving.
If you have cataracts, it’s important to talk to your eye specialist. They can help determine if and when surgery might be necessary for you.
Types
As stated by the American Optometric Association, there are two main kinds of cataract surgery: extracapsular surgery and small incision cataract surgery.
Extracapsular Surgery
Extracapsular surgery is used when the lens cannot be broken up into small pieces with ultrasound waves. In this procedure, the surgeon makes a larger cut in the cornea to remove the entire lens in one piece.
After removing the lens, the lens capsule is still left in place to support the new artificial lens, just like in SICS. This type of surgery is usually done when the lens is too cloudy or hard to break up with phacoemulsification.
Small Incision Cataract Surgery
SICS is the more commonly used method. During this procedure, the surgeon makes a small cut in the cornea, which is the clear, dome-shaped area of the eye that covers the lens.
Next, the surgeon uses a special tool that goes through this small cut. This tool sends out ultrasound waves to split up the cloudy lens into small pieces. This process is called phacoemulsification.
Once the cloudy lens is broken into pieces, the surgeon removes it through the small incision. The lens capsule, a thin membrane that holds the lens, is left in place. The surgeon then inserts a new, unnatural lens into the capsule. Usually, the small incision doesn’t need stitches to close.
If for some reason an artificial lens cannot be used, like because of other eye issues, vision can still be corrected with eyeglasses or contact lenses.
Surgery Preparation
Before your cataract surgery, your healthcare provider will enquire you about any medicines you’re currently taking. You might be required to stop taking particular medicines before the surgery. Your healthcare provider will let you know which ones to avoid and might suggest alternative options.
You may also be asked not to eat or drink anything for up to 6 hours pre-surgery
In some cases, your healthcare provider will give you special eye drops to utilize before the procedure to help prepare your eyes.
Cataract surgery itself is usually quick, and the actual surgery takes a very short time. However, since the surgery affects your vision, you’ll need to arrange for someone to drive you to and from the clinic. It’s also helpful to have someone stay with you after the surgery to assist you at home.
Recovery After Cataract Surgery
After cataract surgery, you’ll typically spend about an hour in the recovery room. The doctor might have placed a bandage over your eyes to help with healing.
When you get home, it’s important to keep your eyes safe from infection. Avoid developing water in your eyes and use any prescribed eye drops as directed by your healthcare provider.
You can usually resume many daily activities like watching TV and reading. However, you should steer clear of heavy lifting or activities that could shake your eyes, like playing basketball or jogging.
Your surgeon will likely schedule follow-up appointments to check on your recovery. These appointments usually happen the day after your surgery, a week later, and then a few weeks after that. These check-ups are important to make sure your eye is healing properly.
Risks and Complications
This surgery is generally a safe outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia. Despite its safety, it is important to be aware of potential risks and complications linked with the surgery.
Common complications that may arise include inflammation of the eye and cornea, bleeding inside the eye, and fluid accumulation in the retina. In some cases, the retina may detach, or there may be increased pressure at the back of the eyes. Other issues could involve a declining eyelid or implanted lens movements.
Certain medical conditions can heighten the risk of complications from cataract surgery. For instance, individuals with age-related macular degeneration face a higher risk of vision loss or blindness after the procedure. It is crucial for those with AMD to have a detailed discussion with their healthcare provider about the potential risks and benefits before proceeding with surgery.
Additionally, basic eye issues, like pre-existing retina damage, might become more noticeable post-surgery. It is essential to consider these factors and consult with your doctor to understand the full scope of potential risks.
Outlook
After cataract surgery, most people can expect to experience significantly clearer vision, assuming no complications arise. However, if any side effects or problems happen, it is important to contact your healthcare provider immediately.
In some cases, individuals might get a secondary cataract, where the lens membrane left in place during surgery becomes cloudy. As per the American Optometric Association, this condition affects up to 50 percent of individuals who have had cataract surgery.
Fortunately, a secondary cataract is solvable. Healthcare providers usually address it with laser treatment, which creates an opening in the cloudy membrane to restore clear vision.
Surgery
Cataract surgery is a generally safe outpatient procedure that can significantly improve vision, though complications may arise. Common risks include swelling, bleeding, and retinal issues. Conditions like age-related macular degeneration can increase these risks. After surgery, it’s important to monitor for side effects and consult your doctor if any arise. Some patients might develop a secondary cataract, where the lens membrane becomes cloudy, but this can be treated with laser therapy. Overall, most people experience clearer vision post-surgery.
