Cataracts are a normal part of the aging process; in fact, nearly half of all Americans develop cataracts by their late 70s. While some patients try to postpone cataract surgery for as long as possible, if they understood how easy cataract surgery recovery has become, they may have decided to restore clearer vision much sooner. In this blog, the ophthalmologists at Wiles Eye Center explain what the process is like.
What Recovery Is Like
Because cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure, you get to rest and relax in the comfort of your own home once your surgery is finished. It is normal to feel tired right after your surgery, but your energy level should return later that day. While moderate discomfort is expected, this is easily managed with prescription and/or over-the-counter medication.
Within a couple days, you should find that your vision is better than it was prior to surgery, so you can resume normal tasks like cooking and cleaning. However, full, crisp vision and complete healing can take a month or two to achieve.
Modern Surgical Techniques Improve Recovery
At Wiles Eye Center, we offer advanced forms of cataract surgery that outperform traditional cataract surgery. Dr. Stephen Wiles’ innovated techniques utilize such a small incision that no stitches are required. Called the “Micro-Touch Advanced Cataract Surgery,” this approach makes the surgery pain-free and the recovery briefer.
Most of our patients also choose to undergo dropless cataract surgery. A single medicated intracameral treatment contains all the antibiotics and steroids that your eye needs to heal correctly. It is injected into the anterior of the eye as part of the cataract surgery. This eliminates the usual need to self-administer eyedrops several times per day during cataract surgery recovery. Not only is this easier, but it also lowers risks for infection and cuts total costs. Dropless cataract surgery is available at both of Wiles Eye Center’s locations.
Each Eye Is Treated Separately
Although most patients with cataracts have the condition in both eyes, our ophthalmologists generally perform cataract surgery just one eye at a time. The reason for separating the procedures is to make your recovery significantly easier. Leaving one eye untreated ensures that you can see out of one eye while the other eye recovers instead of being unable to see altogether for a couple days.
Not All Patients Recover the Same
While the preceding paragraphs have described the recovery period for the average patient, your own rate of recovery may differ. Wiles Eye Center schedules multiple follow-up appointments to ensure that your eyes are healing properly. The complication rate for cataract surgery is lower than it ever has been, particularly when performed by an expert ophthalmologist.
Schedule a Consultation
Now that you understand how easy recovering from cataract surgery can be, why not clear up your hazy vision? To learn more about your treatment options, schedule a consultation at Wiles Eye Center in Kansas City or St. Joseph, MO with Dr. Wiles or Dr. Rachel Tischinski.
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