Consultancy Corner: Tech advancements have improved cataract surgery

Between a week and three weeks you gained full vision in this eye and so were ready for your second operation. You soon realized the big difference these eye operations made to your vision. Depending on the lenses your doctor prescribed, you have now given up your glasses altogether or use them for only close or far vision. There are no night halos or blurred vision and you can comfortably read and watch television any time of the day. Life is back to normal. This is the course life takes after you have gone through cataract removal from both eyes.

No two cataract patients have the same recovery journey. Some people are able to see clearly a few days after surgery, while others may need a full month to notice vision improvement. One requirement however remains common to all: good post-surgery care to allow for proper healing and to prevent complications such as eye infection and inflammation.

You will leave the clinic with your eye covered and so will need help to get home. Take a friend or family member with you and ask the doctor for all precautions you need to take during recovery. The doctor will also prescribe eye drops or other medication to control eye pressure, prevent infection and reduce inflammation after surgery. Take these as prescribed with recommended regularity.

Most of the recovery and healing takes place during the first week after surgery. During this time, your eye will always remain covered, either with eyeglasses or an eye bandage. Most people experience mild discomfort and blurred vision during the first week. This is normal. It is also normal for the eye to feel watery or itchy, but do not rub or scratch it as this might interrupt the healing process.

Patient are also advised to refrain from (a) bending too far forward with the head below the waist, (b) lifting weight that exceeds 4 kg, and (c) straining too much on the toilet. Each of these activities increases the pressure inside the eye and can create post surgery complications.

Adjustments in vision continue till about the 6th week after cataract surgery. During this time, you will to notice gradual vision improvement in your vision and a decrease in overall discomfort. Since cataract surgery is only performed on one eye at a time, you may experience some imbalance in your vision till after the second eye operation and recovery. Normally doctors recommend this be done about 1 to 4 weeks later.

Most people can resume work and everyday activities 24 hours post-surgery. Throughout the six weeks, patients are advised to avoid strenuous activity, high intensity exercise, swimming and driving long distances. During this time, it is also important to watch out for symptoms such as persistent pain, nausea or light flashes post surgery and if present, inform your doctor at the earliest.

In the last few years, technological advancements have improved cataract surgery on several fronts, from reducing the time taken to perform the surgery to improvements in overall treatment outcomes. This includes the type of lenses used to restore vision post-surgery. In addition to the existing monofocal and multifocal lenses available, we now have the option of a new Intra Ocular Lens called Extended Range of Vision Intra Ocular lenses (ERV IOLs). These modern lenses provide continuous range of high-quality vision at all distances (near, intermediate & distance), and reduce the need for corrective eyewear after surgery. The doctor will explain the advantages and drawbacks of each lens and recommend one that will best suit your lifestyle. If you have any further questions or concerns, talk to your doctor who will guide you in making a safe and full recovery.