Cataracts are a clouding of the lens of the eye. Early signs include blurred vision, difficulty seeing at night, sensitivity to light, and seeing excessive glare. As the condition progresses, vision in the affected eye will be impaired.
If you or a family member are about to undergo cataract surgery, you'll likely have questions about the treatment and correction procedure. Here are answers to frequently asked questions from our patients, so you have all the information you need to achieve the best possible surgical outcome:
Is cataract surgery major surgery?
It is surgery, but the medical community does not consider it "major." In most cases, cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure.
How long does cataract surgery take?
The entire process, from when a patient enters our clinic until they leave, takes about two and a half hours. The procedure itself usually takes less than 20 minutes.
Does cataract surgery hurt?
Cataract surgery is painless. In addition to medication to relax the patient before surgery, our anesthesiologist numbs the eye with anesthetic eye medication before the procedure.
What happens if you blink during cataract surgery?
An eye splint gently holds the eyelid open during the procedure to prevent blinking. Although this may look painful, there is usually little to no sensation with the splint in place, as the eye has been numbed beforehand. The eye not being operated on can remain open or closed during the surgery and will not affect the eye being operated on.
What are the side effects of cataract surgery?
The most common side effect is clearer vision. Since cataracts block light, when they are removed, the eye will detect more light and may feel more sensitive. There may also be reduced pressure in the eye. The patient may notice more floaters, and there could be a dark crescent shape in the peripheral vision, but the crescent shape usually disappears on its own within a few months.
Can cataracts grow back?
During cataract surgery, the cloudy lens of the eye is removed and replaced with an artificial lens. Cataracts cannot grow back after the natural lens is removed.
Does cataract surgery last a lifetime?
The lens that our surgeons implant during cataract surgery is durable and lasts a lifetime.
What is vision like after cataract surgery?
When it comes to eye conditions, our patients' biggest concern is often whether their vision will be affected. Cataract surgery is designed to improve vision.
What will my vision be like after cataract surgery?
That depends on several factors: the size of the cataract, overall health, eye health, and the type of anesthesia used during the procedure. Most patients see better within 24 hours, and vision improves progressively within a week after surgery.
How long does it take for blurriness to disappear after cataract surgery?
Blurry vision after cataract surgery is usually caused by swelling or edema of the cornea. If this is the case, it will improve over time. In most cases, patients can see better within a week of surgery.
Success in cataract surgery depends on several factors, including education, the patient's commitment to follow all of our doctors' instructions, and a team of highly qualified professionals like those at our center.
Clínica Nivaria is the leading ophthalmology center in the Canary Islands. Our surgeons specialize in specific procedures such as cataract surgery, are knowledgeable in the latest medical techniques, and have access to state-of-the-art equipment and operating rooms.
Schedule your appointment today, call us on 822 027 777 and visit our ophthalmology center in Santa Cruz de Tenerife to learn more about our procedures and our eye care team.
