LASIK Facts

Have you ever experience having difficulty reading? Or can’t drive your car properly especially at night due to poor night vision? How about faded colors and problems with bright light? If yes, then you must consult your eye doctor immediately because these are the common symptoms present in patients with cataract.

Cataract is the clouding of the lens of the eye, which causes slight to complete opacity that obstructs the passage of light as it enters the eye. The most common and effective treatment is to surgically remove the cloudy lens. But before you submit yourself for operation you must first understand how a cataract surgery works.

Understanding the actual process

Before the operation begins, the patient is given an anesthesia either through a needle and IV or using a gas.

The doctor then opens the eyelid using a lid speculum. It is important to keep the eyelid open throughout the whole operation. The cataract is then cut open and a small slit is placed in the lid, which allows the surgeon to remove the patient’s aging and cloudy natural lens without damaging the eye. A synthetic lens is then replaced to restore the lens’s transparency.

After the surgery, a metal and plastic patch is installed over the eye. The patch serves as a protection from trauma and debris that may damage the new lens. It can only be removed the day after the surgery. Patients are then instructed to comply with the follow up check up to check for any complications.

Post Operative Care

The day after the surgery you are restricted from lifting any heavy objects or bending down to prevent adding pressure to the eyes. You should also wear dark glasses to protect your eyes form bright lights.

Never rub your eyes for it may cause an irritation. You should avoid swimming and taking showers until the incision heals. Refrain from driving for a week after the operation. And in addition, constantly wash your hands when administering any medications.