What are CATARACTS?

Cataracts are one of the leading causes of reduced vision, glare and sometimes distortion in vision. Surgery involves the use of phacoemulsification which is an ultrasound probe. This removes the cataract through a very small incision in the front of the eye.

Once the lens has been removed, an artificial lens is inserted through the small incision. This lens unfolds inside the eye into the correct position. The small incision then seals itself or is closed with one or two sutures which are usually removed in the post-operative phase.

Following surgery, the eye will be padded overnight. You will be reviewed the following day and the pad will be removed. The vision will initially be blurry but it should clear over the following days and continue to improve over the next month to two months. New spectacles are usually prescribed two months following the surgery.

Once the pad has been removed, the eye may be left opened and sunglasses or other spectacles may be worn to protect the eye. A plastic eye shield should be worn at night for the first two weeks following surgery to prevent any trauma to the eye.

The eye may feel irritated for the first week following surgery due to the small stitches and the surgery. Severe pain may indicate that the pressure in the eye is elevated or that an infection may be developing. A reduction in vision may suggest an infection or inflammation or development of retinal problems such as retinal detachment. These complications are however rare. Should any complications such as severe pain or loss of vision occur, it is advisable to contact Dr Lee as soon as possible.

You will be required to use eye drops and, in some cases, tablets to control the intraocular pressure following surgery. The eye drops are usually required for one to two months following surgery.

Following surgery, you should keep the eye clean and dry and take care while showering to avoid getting water in the eye for the first two weeks. You should also avoid prolonged coughing, straining, bending, or heavy lifting for one month following surgery. Swimming should be avoided for at least two months following surgery. You may walk about and perform your usual daily activities after a few days as long as care and hygiene is maintained.

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