Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed surgeries on the eyes. Millions of individuals undergo this procedure each year to remove the cloudy lens of their eyes and improve their vision. When a person has cataracts in both eyes, it is recommended that they allow the first eye some time to heal before having surgery on the second. But how long should you wait between cataract surgery or your first and second eye? We discuss the answer to this question below.
What Is Cataract Surgery?
Cataract surgery is a type of surgery that aims to remove cataracts from the eye. Cataracts are cloudy areas that form on the surface of the eye’s lens and obstruct vision. Cataracts form as proteins start to break down over time. If left unaddressed, cataracts can interfere quite heavily with one’s day-to-day life.
Symptoms of Cataracts
Cataracts display several different symptoms as they develop. Staying aware of these symptoms can help you catch on to whether you may be developing cataracts. Some of the common symptoms of cataracts include:
- Vision that feels cloudy or blurry
- Changes in the way you perceive color
- Sensitivity to bright lights
- Perceiving halos or streaks that form around lights
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Needing brighter lights to read
- Double vision
Some of these symptoms are shared with other eye conditions. Getting your eyes checked and diagnosed by a professional can help you determine whether you are dealing with cataracts.
What Occurs During Cataract Surgery?
Cataract surgery is a highly successful procedure that typically restores a patient’s vision and carries no complications. In addition, most patients experience a rapid recovery period. The steps of a cataract surgery are generally as follows:
- The surface of the eye is numbed
- A tiny incision is made in the cornea
- The cataract is surgically broken up and removed
- The new lens is inserted into the eye
- A protective covering is taped to the eye to protect it during its recovery period
All in all, cataract surgery usually only takes about 10 to 15 minutes to complete. Preparation and recovery typically only add a few hours to this rapid process. Although cataract surgery is not considered a high-risk surgery, there are some side effects to stay aware of, including:
- Eye bleeding
- Swelling
- Pain
- Vision loss
- Visual disturbances
- Infection
You can discuss with your physician whether or not they think that you are at particular risk for incurring any of these side effects.
How Long Should You Wait Between Cataract Surgery on Your First and Second Eye?
In general, most patients will only have to wait a few weeks between their cataract surgeries to switch between the first and second eye. However, there is some variability in this, with some patients needing to wait a few months and others needing only to wait a couple of days.
Some of this will have to do with your reaction to your first cataract surgery. Your general health profile and history of surgeries may come into play as well. You should contact your physician if you experience any of the following side effects after your initial surgery:
- Crusting
- Mucus discharge
- Abrupt vision loss that does not recover
- Eye floaters and flashes
- Eye pain
Your physician will give you an outline regarding when it will be safe for you to proceed with your second cataract surgery, as well as a set of tips for how to navigate your recovery period effectively. Some of the common tips laid out in this regard include:
- Use eye drops if your surgeon prescribes them to you
- Avoid getting water or soap in your eyes
- Do not rub or put pressure on your eye
- Wear sunglasses when you go outside
- Wear your doctor-prescribed eye shield when you are sleeping and at any other time that they recommend it
In addition, you may have to take some time off work or engage in strenuous activities such as driving. Your physician will outline this for you prior to receiving any treatment.
Your Friend in Cataract Surgery
Dr. Ghosheh and the rest of the team at Advanced Eye Medical are ready to deliver the highest quality cataract surgery to their esteemed clientele. If you have questions about cataract surgery, contact our office today to schedule an appointment with our eye surgeon.