Posted by: Associates in Ophthalmology (NJ) in Cataracts
Vision problems from cataracts can be frustrating and challenging to live with, especially as they continue to worsen over time. Cataract surgery is the only way to restore clear vision and eliminate those frustrations.
Although undergoing any procedure can sound intimidating, cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed procedures in the United States and has a quick and easy recovery process. After you’re done healing, you can enjoy clear vision that is completely cataract-free.
Keep reading to learn more about how long the recovery time is after cataract surgery.
What Is A Cataract?
A cataract is a clump of protein that forms on the eye’s natural lens, the clear, flexible part of your eye that sits behind the iris. This can happen as a natural part of the aging process.
Cataracts often begin forming around age 40, but many people don’t notice them until they are older. This is because age-related cataracts form gradually.
Contacts and glasses are usually enough to offset the symptoms when cataracts first develop. You may not have many symptoms at first, but cataracts can significantly hinder your vision over time.
Eventually, visual aids will not be enough to correct your vision. At that point, cataract surgery is the only option to remove cataracts and restore clear vision.
What is Cataract Surgery Like?
During cataract surgery, your cataract surgeon at Associates in Ophthalmology will remove the natural lens of your eye and replace it with an IOL or intraocular lens. Before the procedure, your ophthalmologist will use numbing eye drops to ensure you are comfortable during your cataract surgery.
They may offer you medication to help you relax. Next, your cataract surgeon will make a small incision to access the natural lens.
They will then break up the lens using ultrasound waves and suction out the fragments. Your cataract surgeon will insert your IOL through the original incision.
Finally, they will place an eye patch over your eye for protection. In most cases, the procedure only takes 10-15 minutes, and then you can go home and begin the healing process.
What Can I Expect During Cataract Surgery Recovery?
Because cataract surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that doesn’t require more than topical anesthesia, the initial recovery is usually straightforward. Right after the procedure, your eye doctor will monitor you for around 30 minutes and schedule a follow-up visit.
You may notice some initial side effects, such as blurry vision, red eyes, water eyes, or a gritty feeling. These are normal and usually clear up in a few days.
Usually, it takes about four weeks to fully recover and for your vision to completely stabilize. However, you will likely notice your vision starting to improve within just 1-3 days.
At your initial follow-up appointment, your eye doctor will assess how your eye is healing and let you know when you can return to activities like working and driving. They will also schedule further follow-up appointments if necessary.
Cataract surgery can bring you relief from vision problems associated with cataracts and improve your quality of life. After cataract surgery, you’ll be able to see clearly again, which means you’ll enjoy more freedom in all the things you love.
If you choose a premium IOL, you may even be able to see better than ever before. Associates in Ophthalmology offers many premium IOL options, including the TECNIS Symfony, TECNIS Symfony OptiBlue, Vivity, Synergy, Envista, and PanOptix trifocal IOLs.
These IOLs also all come in toric forms to accommodate patients with astigmatism.
Are you ready to restore your vision with cataract surgery? Schedule an appointment at Associates in Ophthalmology in Livingston, NJ, today!
