A cataract is a kind of cloudiness that develops on what is normally a clear lens in your eye. This cloudiness usually develops slowly over time, meaning a person may have a cataract for some time before it begins to cause them problems. Once your cataracts do start to cause problems, it may be time for cataract surgery.
Keep reading to learn more about what you can expect from a cataract surgery in Rio Grande Valley.
What Is Cataract Surgery? How Does Cataract Surgery Work?
Cataract surgery is a medical procedure performed by an ophthalmologist to remove the cloudiness in a patient’s vision. During the procedure, the cloudy lens is removed and replaced, usually with an artificial lens.
Cataract surgery is generally recommended when cataracts have begun to interfere with a person’s life. Your doctor may also recommend cataract surgery if your cataracts have developed to a point that they interfere with your doctor’s ability to monitor and treat other eye problems.
The Recovery Process for Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, so you’ll be able to go home after the procedure. When you leave the clinic, you may need to wear a pad or a plastic shield to protect your eye. This can usually be removed a day after surgery. It’s also important to recognize that your vision may take several days to recover.
During this time, it’s normal to experience side effects that include:
- Double vision
- Blurry vision
- Eye watering
- Bloodshot eye
- Grittiness
You can expect the side effects above to fade over the first few days or week following your procedure, but some effects may linger for up to six weeks.
What To Do After Cataract Surgery
- Use your eye drops as instructed by your doctor
- For pain, use over-the-counter painkillers
- Ask someone to help you manage while your vision is cloudy
- Use your eye shield at night for a week at least
- Wear your eye shield when washing your hair, but otherwise bathe as normal
- Wear your shield or wear old glasses when outdoors
- Avoid swimming for at least four weeks
What Not To Do After Cataract Surgery
- Don’t do anything strenuous for the first few days
- Don’t drive until your doctor says you can do so
- Don’t rub your eyes
- Don’t wear eye makeup for four weeks at least
- Don’t get any soap or shampoo in your eye
- Don’t fly without asking your doctor
Cataract Surgery in Rio Grande Valley From the Best Eye Doctors
Cataracts are an incredibly common vision problem, so it should be no surprise that cataract surgery is also a common procedure. If you have cataracts, you can trust your McAllen ophthalmologists to get you the treatment you need, whatever that may be.
Come see us at Gelman Vision to get care from the only corneal transplant surgeon in the RGV. You can rely on Gelman for your cataract surgery in Rio Grande Valley.
