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Preparing For Cataract Surgery? 4 Things You Should Know About The Procedure

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If you have cataracts, you may be ready to get your vision back. One way to do that is through cataract surgery. Cataract surgery removes the cataract from your eyes, helping to restore your vision. Before your scheduled cataract surgery, you'll need to prepare. Here are four things you need to know about the procedure. 

You'll Have an Artificial Lens

If you need cataract surgery, your eye surgeon will remove the affected lens. That's because cataracts create a cover over your eyes that prevent light from passing through. Once that happens, your eyes are unable to process images, making it impossible for you to see clearly. During surgery, the affected lens is removed. Once it's removed, an artificial lens is surgically implanted in your eye. 

You'll Need to Watch for Complications

After surgery, you'll be sent home to recover. It's important to note that the recovery period can last several weeks. During that time, you'll need to take it easy. You'll also need to watch for postoperative complications. There are some complications to be aware of. Those include infections, macular edema, and intraocular lens dislocation. The best way to protect your eyes is to avoid touching them, especially with dirty hands. While your eyes are healing, be sure to wash your hands several times a day. Notify your eye surgeon right away if you develop redness, swelling, increased pain, or discharge in your eyes. 

You May Need to Wait to See Clearly

Once the surgery is completed, you may be anxious to experience clear vision. But, clear vision may not happen right away. In fact, you may need to wait a few weeks before you can see images in their sharpest clarity. Until then, you'll want to take things slowly and give your eyes a chance to adjust to the changes. If you're still not seeing clearly after several weeks, talk to your eye surgeon. 

You May Still Need to Wear Glasses

If you're scheduled for cataract surgery, you may be looking forward to tossing the prescription glasses in the trash. Unfortunately, that might not be the case. Depending on the type of cataract surgery you have, you may still need to wear glasses. If your eye surgeon performs a monofocal procedure, you may still need glasses for close-up vision. This is also true if you suffer from astigmatism. Cataract surgery will not adjust the shape of your eye. That means you'll still need glasses to correct your vision.


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