How to perform cataract surgery
After the patient enters the cataract surgery department, his eye will be numbed by special drops; At this stage, sedatives may also be used. The skin around the eyes is carefully cleaned and a sterile cover is placed on the head and face.
During cataract surgery, the patient may see light and movement, but is unable to see and understand the surgical procedures. In the first step, the surgeon makes a small incision on the surface of the eye using a surgical microscope. In most cataract operations, a delicate device called a Fico machine is used to remove the clouded lens, and usually the posterior membrane of the lens (called the posterior capsule) is left in place; Then, an intraocular lens made of silicone, acrylic, or plastic replaces the opacified lens. After the cataract surgery, the doctor puts a protective cover on the patient’s eye and after a short rest in the ward, the patient can go home.
In bilateral cataract surgery, an interval of one to three weeks is considered between the surgery of the two eyes according to the ophthalmologist’s opinion
The right time for cataract surgery
Cataract surgery should be performed when cataracts have reduced vision and interfered with daily activities. The general belief that cataracts must “reach” for a person to undergo surgery, or another belief that says “cataract must be operated on as soon as it is diagnosed” is not correct. The need for cataract surgery is diagnosed only by an ophthalmologist based on the patient’s condition.
In fact, the patient with cataracts should tell the doctor if he can handle his daily tasks well or not? Can he still drive safely? Or is he able to read and watch TV easily? Does his vision allow him to do activities such as cooking, shopping, gardening, or taking his medications without problems? All in all, the ophthalmologist determines the appropriate time for cataract surgery by carefully examining and reviewing the mentioned cases.
Preparations before cataract surgery
Before cataract surgery, it is necessary to determine the power of the intraocular lens; This work is done by careful examination and complete examination of the eyes.
Before cataract surgery, the patient should consult with the ophthalmologist about how to use the medications he is taking.
Antibiotic eye drops should be used one to two days before surgery (if prescribed by an ophthalmologist).
The night before the operation, the eyelids and eyelashes should be washed with baby shampoo.
48 hours before the operation, avoid eye make-up and use any face cream.
12 hours before cataract surgery, even with femtocataract (cataract laser treatment), avoid drinking and eating any food.
The presence of a relative or friend of the patient is necessary on the day of the operation.
Cataract surgery
Care after cataract surgery
After cataract surgery, the following points should be considered:
Use eye drops according to the doctor’s prescription.
Avoid putting pressure on the eyes or rubbing them separately.
After the operation, you should not sleep on the side of the operated eye, and the duration of compliance with this point should be asked to the doctor on the day of the examination.
From the second day, the patient can take a bath and perform ablution (baby shampoo should be used to wash the eyes).
Avoid bending the head for a week.
In the first weeks after the operation, the patient should not lift more than 10 kg.
Until the ophthalmologist gives permission, the patient should avoid activities that increase eye pressure (consult your doctor about these activities).
The patient should consult the doctor after cataract surgery to determine the time to start driving.
According to the doctor’s order, the patient should wear glasses or eye covers until the appropriate time.
Post-operative examinations are recommended on the first and third days, the third or fourth week, the sixth month, and then once a year; Of course, according to the condition of the patient’s eyes, the ophthalmologist may recommend another examination schedule.
If the doctor has prescribed more than one type of drops at the same time, their use should be done with a time interval of 5 minutes.
It is not necessary to use prescribed medicines at night (sleep time).
Usually, in the first few weeks after the operation, the number of the eye is changing, so it is better to visit after a few weeks to determine the score of glasses (especially reading glasses).
A percentage of patients, especially those who have astigmatism before the operation, need glasses after the operation.
Common symptoms after cataract surgery
The emergence of any of the following symptoms after surgery is normal:
Blurred vision
Sensitivity to strong light
Tears, itching and redness of the eyes
Foreign body sensation in the eye
Aura around the light at night
The fly-eyed state
