Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is a procedure that is done on certain individuals to remove the cataracts that have formed. Those who undergo this type of operation are often older in age, and at least fifty years of age. Though it is uncommon for cataracts to form in younger individuals, it is possible for the problem to arise. The use of cataract surgery is the only real way to treat a cataract once it forms. Cataract surgery involves the removal of the cataract. This often takes on the form of a milky white substance that has covered the eye. It may make it difficult to see close up, and many individuals have difficulty with seeing at night. While these are the two main symptoms, many individuals suffer from cataracts and have no idea that there is anything wrong with their eyes. Until they visit with their physician or eye doctor, they may never know there is a problem. Their doctor will recommend cataract surgery before the problem grows worse. Cataract surgery may be done on one eye, or both eyes if they are affected. If both eyes suffer from cataracts, the cataract surgery will typically be done on one eye at a time. The doctor does not want to inconvenience the patient, but it can be far worse to operate on both eyes at the same time. Though the procedure often takes a short period of time, sometimes less than an hour, it requires a patch to be worn over the eye for the first few days. If the sufferer were to have cataract surgery performed on both eyes at the same time, they would effectively be unable to see anything for the first few days after the surgery. Once a person has cataract surgery, they will be asked to avoid food and liquid after midnight the night before the surgery. Following the surgery they will need to stick to an all liquid diet for the first day, to give the body time to adjust. They will also need to have someone pick them up from the surgery, and they will not be able to drive until the patch is removed from the eye. Many people who have problems with a cataract notice that the eyesight in the corrected eye is significantly better than the other eye, which makes it difficult to drive, even after the patch is removed. The better eye is constantly compensating for the poorer eye, which may make it weaker in the long run. Doctors recommend having the second cataract surgery, if needed, done as soon as possible after the first operation. Cataract surgery is far from a long procedure, as it often takes less than 60 minutes to perform. The important thing to remember is that the doctor’s recommendations should be followed as closely as possible following the operation.
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