After Cataract Surgery

After cataract surgery, the person's cataract problem is eliminated and clear vision is provided. Eyes that see clearly at a young age may experience visual impairment over time due to various reasons. One of these eye problems is cataracts. Cataract, which is a problem that often occurs with age, is a problem that can be solved with surgery. As a result of this procedure, the person's cataract problem is eliminated. However, postoperative care is important for the healing process and the efficiency of the surgery.

As after every operation, it is important that the process proceeds healthily after cataract surgery and there are possible complications. For this reason, your operated eye must heal in a shorter time and be protected from possible complications. There are also important points to pay attention to in order to protect from these complications. The recovery time of surgeries performed by an expert staff and in a technologically advanced hospital is faster. But just having a successful surgery is not enough. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to doctor's recommendations after surgery. You can continue reading the article for details about what to do during the recovery process after cataract surgery.

Things to Consider After Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery is a type of eye surgery performed by ophthalmologists to eliminate the cataract problem. At a young age, the person's eyes see clearly. To ensure this clarity, there is a lens structure, also known as the eyepiece, in the front part of the eye. When this lens becomes cloudy, it is called "cataract". When the lens becomes cloudy, that is, cataract occurs, the lens loses its transparency and prevents light from reaching the retina. Therefore, light cannot be focused on the retina and problems with clear vision occur. Especially as we get older, the lens of the eye begins to freeze and cataracts occur. Cataract is an eye problem that causes the lens to become cloudy. Cataract surgery is a surgical procedure performed to solve this cataract problem in the eye.

Cataract In surgeries performed for cataract treatment, the eye lens is artificial. replaced with a lens. The surgery is performed in a short time under local anesthesia. Thanks to the new lens inserted during the recovery period after cataract surgery, the eye sees more clearly, colors are perceived more clearly and lights do not disturb the eye. Cataract surgery eliminates eye problems related to cloudy lenses. Although this surgery, which is performed in a short time, proceeds smoothly, there are some points to consider after cataract surgery:

• Heavy physical activities should be stopped: Doing heavy physical activities after cataract surgery may increase eye pressure. For this reason, activities such as heavy exercises, weight lifting or tilting the head for a long time should be stopped for a few weeks.
• Eyes should be protected from external factors: Eyes become extremely sensitive to external factors during this period. There may be a stinging sensation in the eyes due to cataract surgery; However, due to extreme sensitivity, hands should not come into contact with the eyes. Stinging is a natural complication caused by surgery. At the same time, the eyes should be protected from situations such as dust, smoke, and eyelashes.
• Eyes should be avoided in contact with water: Eyes should be avoided in contact with water until the eye surgery is healed. Eyes should especially be kept away from areas such as pools and the sea.
• You should not drive until recovery occurs: Driving should be avoided until the time deemed appropriate by the doctor after cataract surgery.

Apart from the things to consider after cataract surgery, other factors that accelerate the healing process are as follows:

• Using prescribed eye drops
• Using protective eye shields at night
• Protect your eyes. not to rub
• not to bend

Possible Complications After Cataract Surgery

As after every surgical procedure, various complications may develop during recovery after cataract surgery. While these complications are mild most of the time, serious complications may occur rarely. Some of these complications may be (3):

• Infection: The operation area may be exposed to microorganisms during or after the surgery. This causes infection to develop in the area. The infection that occurs; It may manifest itself as pain, redness and blurred vision. In rare cases, when infection occurs, antibiotics may be prescribed by the doctor. Depending on the type of infection, inflammation may also occur.
• Retinal detachment: The retinal epithelium at the back of the eye is separated from the layer. This is a serious condition that can cause vision loss and must be taken under control immediately.
• High eye pressure: Rarely, an increase in eye pressure may be observed after cataract surgery. This condition, called ocular hypertension, can cause vision impairment.
• Light sensitivity: After eye surgery, the eyes may be extremely sensitive to light. For this reason, it may be recommended to wear sunglasses for a while.
• Dropped eyelid: After cataract surgery, a drooping eyelid called ptosis may occur. While it may resolve spontaneously in a short time, this situation may also continue for a long time. Drooping eyelids that persist for a long time should be treated.

How to Understand Lens Shift After Cataract Surgery?

The lens does not move after cataract surgery; However, lens dislocation may occur. If this happens; Symptoms such as blurred vision, eye and headache, and double vision occur. Lens Distortion requires immediate treatment. Otherwise, serious problems such as intraocular inflammation, retinal detachment and corneal edema may occur. When the lens shifts, a new lens is replaced with a new operation.

When Does the Eye Heal After Cataract Surgery?

Cataract surgery is a procedure that can take up to 30-60 minutes at most. Blurred vision may occur in the first days after surgery. For this reason, activities such as driving should be avoided for a while after the surgery. After the surgery, the person can be discharged on the same day. In rare cases, the patient stays in the hospital until the next day.

During the recovery process after cataract surgery, the patient begins to feel better within 1-2 days. But feeling better does not mean that you can return to a completely normal life. Things to consider after cataract surgery are important at this point. Generally, the person starts to return to normal life within a few days. However, complete recovery may take up to 8 weeks. However, the healing process varies from person to person. Process differences may be observed, especially in patients with diabetes. Apart from this, glasses should be used by people who have distance or near vision problems in their eyes (2). There is no harm in using glasses after cataract surgery unless the doctor states otherwise.

Various recommendations are given by the doctor and medications are prescribed to speed up the recovery process after the surgery. In order to make this process shorter and healthier, there are things that should be done under the supervision of a doctor, as well as things that should not be done. Things that should not be done during the recovery period after cataract surgery are as follows (2, 3):

• Strengthening exercises
• Driving a vehicle
• Touching the eyes
• Contacting the eyes with water
• Using face cream or make-up
• Washing the eyes with soapy water

In some cases, seek immediate medical attention. You must apply to the institution. These conditions are as follows (2, 3):

• Increasing pain and redness
• Long time sensitivity to light does not improve
• Signs of infection
< li>Pain that does not go away with medication
• Visual disorders
• Sudden vision loss
• Eye discharge

When Does Blurred Vision Go Away After Cataract Surgery?

Blurry vision is considered normal for a while after cataract surgery. Because it takes time for your eyes to get used to the new lens. The healing process is not equal for everyone; But for some people, this process may take longer. Blurred vision is a complication that can last several weeks. In some people, blurred vision may improve the next day, while in others it may continue for several weeks.

How Long Does It Take to Use Eye Drops After Cataract Surgery?

Among the things to be considered after cataract surgery is the use of medications. Of these medications, eye drops are often prescribed. Eye drops are the preferred alternatives to solve the drying and stinging problem that begins to occur in the eyes on the first day after surgery. Eye drops should be used regularly until they run out, unless otherwise directed by the doctor. The prescribed amount generally varies from person to person and it is recommended to use it until it is all consumed. But this period usually lasts for about 1 month. The correct way to use eye drops is also important. The way to use eye drops is as follows (4):

• Hands are washed thoroughly.
• The eye is lifted to look at the ceiling.
• The lower eyelid is pulled down.
• A drop of the solution is applied to the eye. However, the dropper is not allowed to come into contact with the eyes.
• The eyes are closed.

Cataract surgery is a procedure that is performed in a short time and does not involve many complications. But as with any surgery, the person needs to be careful about the symptoms. If a condition not mentioned by the doctor develops after the surgery, consult a healthcare institution as soon as possible.