Are you afraid of getting cataracts? Everything about cataract surgery in simple terms

Do you also feel like your vision is getting a little blurry as you get older? Or is it hard to see the lights when you drive at night? Maybe your eyes are getting 'snowy'. Don't worry, this happens to most people. It's actually just a part of getting older. Today, we'll talk about this cataract surgery, everything you need to know, very simply.

What exactly is cataract surgery?

Simply put, cataract surgery involves removing the cloudy, cloudy natural lens in your eye and replacing it with a new, clear artificial lens.

Think of your eye as a good camera. It has a lens that focuses light and creates a clear image. The natural lens in our eyes is made up mostly of water and proteins. As we age, these proteins start to break down and clump together. That's when the lens becomes cloudy, yellow, or, more accurately, 'cloudy'. Aging is the main cause of this. However, some diseases (for example, diabetes), certain medications, eye injuries, and previous eye surgeries can also cause cataracts.

When a cataract develops, the outside of the eye can't get in properly. That's why you get blurry vision, see rings around lights at night, and sometimes experience symptoms like seeing in two or three places .

In this surgery, an eye surgeon (ophthalmologist) removes the cloudy lens and replaces it with a clear artificial lens. These are called Intraocular Lenses (IOLs) . There are several types of IOLs. Some can be made for distance vision, while others can be made for near vision. Your doctor will help you choose the IOL that is best suited for your eye.

Most of the time, vision returns to normal after this surgery. This is a quick procedure that can be completed quickly, does not require a hospital stay, and heals quickly. If you have cataracts in both eyes, the doctor will perform the surgery in two sessions, one to two weeks apart.

Does this operation hurt?

This is a problem for many people. In fact, most people don't feel much pain during or after the surgery. Before the surgery, you will be given a topical anesthetic to numb your eyes. So you won't feel anything. Even though you will be awake, you will only see different colored lights. After the surgery, you may feel a little uncomfortable, like sand in your eyes. This can be treated with a simple painkiller.

Who wants to have this surgery?

If your cataracts have caused your vision to become so impaired that you cannot perform your daily tasks, you may need this surgery. For example:

• If you have difficulty reading a newspaper or book.
• If you are afraid to drive at night.
• If it's hard to watch TV.

Additionally, sometimes if you have other eye conditions (such as age-related macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy caused by diabetes), you may need to have your eye examined to rule out those conditions. If you have cataracts and cannot see clearly inside your eye, your doctor may recommend this surgery at that time as well.

How do you decide when the time is right to have surgery?

Cataracts are not a medical emergency. So you don't need to panic and rush to the surgery as soon as you find out you have cataracts. You can do this at a time that is convenient for you.

In the early stages, you may be able to improve your vision by wearing glasses. But over time, cataracts can get worse. When your vision is so poor that you can't do the things you love or do your job, that's when you should consider surgery. Talk to your eye surgeon about this and make the best decision.

How do you prepare before surgery?

Before the day of surgery, your doctor will give you a complete eye exam. Here's what they'll do:

• Checks the health of your eyes.
• They will see if there are any reasons not to have the surgery.
• Checks for risk factors that could complicate the surgery.
• The power of the artificial lens (IOL) to be inserted into your eye will be measured and determined.
• They will tell you what drops to put in before the surgery.

This is a great time to talk to your doctor about any questions or concerns you may have. You might ask things like:

• What are the risks for me from this surgery?
• What benefits do I get?
• What type of IOL is best for me?
• Will I need to wear glasses after the surgery?
• How long does it take to heal?
• When can I resume my normal activities?

The most important thing is that you won't be able to drive after the surgery, so arrange in advance for someone to pick you up and take you home.

How is the operation performed?

This is an outpatient procedure that can be performed without a hospital stay. The steps for the procedure are simply as follows:

1. Eye numbing: First, your eyes will be numbed with eye drops. You may also be given medication to help you relax.

2. Making a small incision: Next, the doctor uses a laser or a special blade to make a very small incision in the cornea. This incision is so small that it does not need to be stitched again.

3. Cataract removal: Now the cloudy lens is broken into small pieces and removed with a suction device. The most commonly used method for this is phacoemulsification . In this, the lens is crushed using ultrasound waves.

4. Inserting the new lens: Next, the new intraocular lens (IOL) is inserted into the eye through the same small incision. This lens is very easy to insert because it can be folded. Once inside the eye, it automatically expands and locks into place.

5. Eye protection: Finally, a plastic eye shield is applied to protect your eyes.

The entire procedure usually takes only 10 to 15 minutes , but it can take several hours, including preparation time and time to rest after the procedure.

What will happen after the surgery?

After the surgery, you will be observed for about 15-30 minutes before being sent home. Your vision will be a little blurry at first. This is normal. Your vision will gradually clear over the next few days. You may also experience temporary symptoms such as:

• Feeling like there is sand in the eyes.
• Redness of the eyes.
• Watery eyes.

What are the benefits of this surgery?

This is the only way to remove cataracts and improve your vision. After surgery, you will:

• Sharper, clearer vision is achieved.
• The glare caused by looking at lights at night is reduced.
• The colors look brighter .
• Some people can also reduce their dependence on glasses.

What are the risks of surgery?

Cataract surgery is a very safe, common procedure. Complications are rare when performed by an experienced surgeon. However, if you have other eye conditions or health problems, the risk may be slightly higher. Some of the possible risks include:

• Bleeding or swelling inside the eye.
• Persistent eye pain.
• Blurred or loss of vision.
• Movement of the implanted intraocular lens (IOL).
• Posterior capsular opacification: This is the later clouding of the thin membrane that holds your new lens in place.
• Retinal detachment : Occurs in about 2 in 1,000 people.
• Infections: Less than one in a thousand cases are reported.

Many of these complications can be successfully treated. Talk to your doctor about your risks before surgery.

How long does it take to fully recover?

It usually takes about four weeks to fully recover, but within a few days you will start to notice a big difference in your vision. There is no significant pain or discomfort during this time.

As the doctor says, it is very important to be careful at home.

• Apply eye drops at the right time.
• Be careful not to get water, soap, or shampoo into your eyes.
• Do not rub or squeeze your eyes.
• Wear sunglasses when going out.
• Wear that eye shield when you sleep and at other times your doctor tells you to.

What time should I call the doctor?

It's important to know the difference between normal discomfort and a serious problem after surgery. See the differences between the following conditions and symptoms.

It's normal for anyone to be a little scared when it comes to surgery. But cataract surgery is a very successful procedure that has been performed by millions of people around the world. So don't be afraid. Discuss all your questions and fears with your doctor. Make this decision with all the necessary information and peace of mind.