Are you afraid of eye surgery? Let's talk about everything simply.

Do you sometimes feel like your vision is a little blurry or unclear? Maybe your doctor has told you that you need to have a small operation on your eyes. It is very normal for many of us to feel a little scared and anxious when we hear the word "operation" or "surgery". But if we are really aware of the surgeries that are performed on the eyes, we can eliminate this unnecessary fear. So today, we will talk about everything about this, in a very simple way that you can understand.

What is this eye surgery called?

Simply put, surgery is the process of repairing, removing, or changing an organ or tissue in the body to treat a medical condition. Eye surgery involves operations on our eyes and the muscles and nerves around them. This is also called "eye surgery." These are performed by ophthalmologists. That is, doctors who specialize in the eyes.

Why do we need eye surgery?

Doctors recommend surgery as a treatment for a variety of eye conditions. Here are some of the main reasons:

• Cataracts: You've probably heard of this one. It's the clouding of the lens inside the eye as we age. It makes the world look like it's through a dirty glass.
• Refractive error: Correct conditions such as farsightedness, nearsightedness, and astigmatism. These are very useful for people who do not want to wear glasses or contact lenses.
• Glaucoma: This is a condition in which the pressure inside the eye increases, damaging the optic nerve. Surgery is performed to reduce this pressure.
• Retinal detachment: A detachment of the retina, a sensitive membrane inside the eye, is an emergency. If this is not corrected quickly with surgery, it can lead to vision loss.
• Ptosis: The drooping of the upper eyelid, covering the eye. This can obstruct vision and affect appearance.
• Eye cancer: Fortunately, this is a bit rare, but even in such cases, surgery is required.

What are the main types of eye surgeries?

There are different types of surgeries to treat different medical conditions. Let's take a look at the most important ones.

What should we do before surgery?

Okay, let's say the doctor has given you a day for an operation. He will give you clear instructions on how to prepare for it. Usually, he will say the following:

• Fasting: You will be asked to stop eating and drinking for a few hours before surgery. Usually, you will be asked not to eat or drink anything after midnight. But ask your doctor for the exact time.
• Medications: It is important to tell your doctor about any medications you are taking (e.g., for diabetes, blood pressure, or blood thinners). Some medications may require you to stop taking them a few days before surgery. Follow these instructions carefully.
• Driver: Most eye surgeries allow you to go home the same day. However, you will not be able to drive after the surgery. So, arrange for someone to take you home in advance.

What happens during the operation?

This is where most people get scared. "Oh my god, what are you doing to my eyes..."

Don't be afraid. Let's see what happens.

Most eye surgeries are performed while you are awake. 'Wow, will it hurt?' You might think. Not at all. The doctor will put a numbing drop (topical anesthesia) in your eye. Then you won't feel any pain. Sometimes a small numbing injection may be given around the eye. It's important that you are awake because the doctor will tell you to keep your head and eyes in one place and not move.

In some special cases, for example, when performing surgery on a small child who is very nervous, or during a major operation, you may be given general anesthesia. This means that you will be completely asleep during the operation.

What should I be careful about after surgery?

After the surgery is successfully completed, your eye will be numbed and you may be given an eye patch or eye shield. You will then be able to go home. However, you will need to be very careful about the following:

• Doctor's advice: Put in the prescribed eye drops exactly on time. If he tells you to close your eyes, do so. If he tells you to hold your head in a specific way (especially after vitrectomy surgery), do so.
• Eye protection: Do not let water, dust, or smoke get into your eyes. Do not rub or scratch your eyes.
• Follow-up: Be sure to go back on the day your doctor tells you to. It is very important to see how your eye is healing after surgery.

What are the benefits and risks of eye surgery?

Any surgery has its benefits and some risks. Eye surgery is generally very safe and has successful outcomes. But it's good to be aware of both.

The likelihood of these risks occurring is very low, and your doctor will explain all of this to you before the surgery.

Situations where you need to call the doctor immediately!

When you go home after surgery, you should know what to do in case of an emergency. If this happens, call your doctor immediately or go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) .

• If the pain is more severe than expected.
• If the eye is bleeding continuously or has a pus-like fluid coming out.
• If you develop signs of infection (e.g., severe eye swelling, redness, fever).
• If your vision suddenly disappears or becomes very blurry and you can't see anything.

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