Cataract Eye Surgery and Aftercare

Global Courant

Cataracts are one of the most common eye conditions where the lens becomes opaque. It occurs due to the aging process or sometimes it is congenital acquired. The progression of cataracts to an older person is usually slow, but when cataracts occur as a result of an injury, it usually happens very quickly. Based on the statistics, individuals with diabetes mellitus tend to have this eye condition most often.

The usual symptom of cataracts is seeing halos around lights. Halo is like a ring that can be seen when one looks into the light. The ophthalmologist will be the one who intervenes in a person with cataracts and the one who is authorized to perform the cataract eye surgery. Surgery is often indicated to get rid of this eye condition. There are two ways in cataract eye surgery; it would be intracapsular extraction (removal of the lens within the capsule) or extracapsular extraction (removal of the lens, leaving the posterior part of the capsule in position). Visions are restored in the following ways; corrective glasses, a contact lens or an intraocular lens implant.

Cataract eye surgery is usually scheduled. Therefore, the patient is considered an outpatient. For an outpatient, they are normally discharged right after surgery. To prevent any complications after cataract surgery, the aftercare of the procedures must be followed closely. The following are the interventions that can alleviate the impediment to the healing process.
• Patients are usually advised not to cough and sneeze. They are prescribed with medicines to prevent these symptoms of coughing and sneezing. Coughing and sneezing too much can increase the intraocular pressure of the eye. When intraocular pressure increases, it can interfere with the normal healing process, leading to eye complications that could lead to blindness.
• Antiemetic is also prescribed to the patient who has undergone cataract eye surgery. This medication prevents nausea and vomiting, which can also increase the intraocular pressure of the eye.
• Administration of stool softeners is also on the prescription list. It prevents the patient from exerting too much force when straining. Straining can also increase the intraocular pressure of the eyes. All activities that increase the pressure of the eye are prohibited until the patient has fully recovered.
• Patient should also be aware that he/she should not sleep or lie down on the surgical site, instead a lateral position on the non-operative side is strongly encouraged. When lying on the operative side, an increase in intraocular pressure will still be unavoidable. If intense pain is felt at the surgical site, it is a sign of intraocular hemorrhage or increase in intraocular pressure and should be reported to the ophthalmologist immediately.
• After the procedure, patching of both eyes is indeed necessary. Patches prevent eyes from squinting or constricting.

This aftercare will help the patient to restore vision. The main key to achieving this is strictly following what is best for the patient as suggested by the ophthalmologist.

Cataract Eye Surgery and Aftercare

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