If your cataract symptoms are beginning to interfere with your normal daily activities, it’s time to schedule a consultation at Riverside Eye Center for cataract surgery. Nearly half of all Americans who are 80 or older have had a cataract removed or currently have cataracts. Cataract surgery involves replacing your clouded lens with an artificial intraocular lens known as an IOL. The majority of patients who have cataract surgery will experience vision improvement. Before scheduling cataract surgery, you may be wondering what to expect after the procedure. Keep reading to learn more!
After Cataract Surgery
Within days, you’ll find that your vision begins to improve after cataract surgery. At first, you will likely experience blurry vision, but this is temporary while your eye heals and adjusts to your new IOL.  Because cataracts are usually yellow or brown, causing tinted vision, after your surgery you may feel like colors appear to be brighter. This is because you are now seeing through your new IOL, instead of through your cataract.
Follow-Up Visits
After cataract surgery, you’ll be expected to see your cataract surgeon at Riverside Eye Center regularly. This includes a follow-up appointment a few days after the procedure, again the following week, and then a month after the procedure. Follow-up visits are crucial for monitoring how your eyes are healing after surgery.
Recovery Time
During your recovery from cataract surgery, you’ll likely experience itchy eyes and mild discomfort. This discomfort should go away within a few days. Your cataract surgeon will instruct you to avoid scratching at or rubbing your eye, as this can hinder your recovery and lead to complications. This is easier to monitor when you’re awake. To ensure you do not scratch at, rub, or push into your healing eye while you sleep, your cataract surgeon may instruct you to wear a protective shield or eye patch while you sleep during the recovery period. Complete recovery from cataract surgery usually takes about eight weeks.
Possible Prescriptions
After cataract surgery, your cataract surgeon at Riverside Eye Center might prescribe medications, including eye drops. These medications or eye drops are designed and prescribed to cataract patients after their procedures to prevent complications, including:
- Preventing infection
- Preventing or reducing inflammation in your healing eye
- Controlling the pressure in your eye to keep it within healthy ranges.
It’s important to follow all instructions and take all medications that are prescribed to you after cataract surgery. Failure to do so may result in your eyes not healing properly!
Time For New Glasses!
Many patients will need new glasses after cataract surgery has been performed. However, it’s important to wait until your cataract surgeon lets you know your eyes have healed properly. Once your eyes have recovered, you can safely purchase a new pair of prescription eyeglasses. Unless you get a premium IOL during your cataract surgery, you will still need to wear glasses or contacts to see properly.
Ready to get cataract surgery? Contact our offices in Norway or Auburn to schedule your consultation with Riverside Eye Center and get your vision back!