Getting any type of surgery can feel scary, but cataract surgery is one of the safest operations. Additionally, if you have severe cataracts, this procedure is the only way to see well again. To ease your fears, we at Eye Care Specialists of Florida in Kissimmee have put together some valuable information about cataract surgery that you should know.
During the surgery, an ophthalmologist will make a tiny cut into the membrane that holds your eye's lens. Then the eye doctor will take out the cataract and lens, replacing the lens with an artificial one. After the procedure, you may see an improvement in your vision.
Only an ophthalmologist can perform cataract removal because this specialist has a medical degree that allows them to do surgery. You may visit an optometrist for eye exams to determine that you need surgery, but you must go to an ophthalmologist's practice for the procedure.
The operation will not hurt because the eye doctor will give you a local anesthetic in your eye to numb any sensations. You may also receive a sedative to help keep you calm. The procedure itself typically takes 15 minutes to an hour, and you can return home the same day as long as you do not drive yourself.
After the procedure, you may have some soreness and sensitivity to light in the eye. Talk to the ophthalmologist if these problems worsen or become severe. You will likely get some eye drops to prevent infection after the procedure. Use these drops and go to all follow-up appointments to avoid serious side effects.
Full recovery may take up to eight weeks. However, the good news is that 90% of those who have cataract surgery can see better once fully recovered.
While Eye Care Specialists of Florida in Kissimmee are known for our dry eye care, we also have a skilled ophthalmologist who conducts surgery to remove cataracts. Contact us today or call us at (407) 483-0328 to make an appointment if you have had an optometrist tell you that you need special treatment for cataracts.