Is it Painful After Cataract Surgery?
Our eyes are extraordinary organs. Not only do they allow us to see the world around us, but they do so with the help of literally millions of individual parts. In fact, the human eye is among the most complex organs in the natural world. Of course, this endlessly impressive organ also happens to be pretty sensitive.
So, when the prospect of undergoing surgery on your eyes emerges, it is more than understandable that most of us will get a little scared. Take Cataract Surgery, for example; When we hear these words, all kinds of questions will start to race through our minds: Will it hurt? Will my vision be affected? and, of course – is it painful after Cataract Surgery?
In another article, we addressed whether cataract surgery is painful during the procedure. But what about the recovery period? This article will walk you through everything you need to know about the days and weeks following your surgery.
What are Cataracts?
Before we get into cataract surgery and your recovery, let’s take a minute to understand exactly what a cataract is.
Cataracts develop naturally as we get older. As our eyes age, proteins in the lenses begin to break down and clump together, Eventually, this clumping forms a cloudy obstruction in your lens – a cataract. Over time, this obstruction continues to become more prominent and can significantly affect your ability to see clearly.
If left untreated, cataracts can become increasingly troublesome and even lead to blindness. While glasses and contact lenses may help, at first, it is very likely that you will eventually need surgery to remove the cataract.
Cataract surgery involves removing the eye’s natural lens – and the cataract with it – and replacing it with an artificial one, known as an intraocular lens (IOL). This might sound a little scary but don’t worry. Cataract surgery is a routine procedure with an extremely high success rate.
Advancements in Cataract Surgery
Cataract Surgery has come a long way in recent decades. From its origins as a grizzly and primitive procedure, Cataract Surgery is now one of the most commonly performed procedures in the world. Advancements in technology and our understanding of the development of cataracts mean that the whole surgery is often over in less than an hour.
Today, Cataract Surgery can be performed using either a blade or a laser to make the necessary incisions in the surface of the eye. Both methods allow the surgeon to break down the cataract and remove the affected lens from the eye before replacing it with an IOL.
Both regular Cataract Surgery and Laser Cataract Surgery are extremely safe and effective; however, evidence suggests that laser-assisted cataract surgery is slightly more likely to achieve target refractive outcomes.
Is it Painful During Cataract Surgery?
When you are being prepared for surgery, some nerves about the procedure are completely natural. The good news is, you will be administered numbing eye drops to help ensure you don’t feel any pain during your Cataract Surgery. While you may still feel some pressure and pulling sensations, the procedure shouldn’t be painful.
Recovery – Is it Painful After Cataract Surgery?
So, what about after your surgery when the numbing drops wear off? Will you feel any pain then? Well, due to the invasive nature of the procedure, it is likely that you will experience some discomfort in the hours and days immediately after your Cataract Surgery. However, this pain shouldn’t be overwhelming and can usually be managed with over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen.
For many patients, recovery from Cataract Surgery can even be completely pain-free. Some other side effects such as grittiness, eye watering, and sensitivity to light are likely to occur for a few days to a few weeks after the procedure; however, these are often easily manageable.
Cataract Surgery can feel like a daunting prospect. But with the right preparation and access to the best information, you can soon put your mind at ease. At London Vision Clinic, our expert team of cataract surgeons are on hand at every step of the process, from prepping you for surgery right through to the end of your recovery journey.
If you have any more questions about recovery after Cataract Surgery, don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our friendly clinic coordinators. Alternatively, Book a Consultation today.