This write-up is strictly meant for people that want to know something important about cataract surgery. Preparation goes a long way if one wants to regain one’s vision completely. Some people are having difficulty with their sight today after cataract surgery because they fail in the area of preparation. This article will take beyond what you can hear about preparing for cataract surgery from your eye doctor.
Honestly, preparation is not what you need to joke with. Have you been diagnosed with a cataract? And your doctor has boldly informed you that the only remedy or way to regain your sight is by undergoing cataract surgery? Then, you need to pay attention to this write-up. What are those things you need to do before the surgery? What are those things you need to prepare?
There’s no cause for alarm. I took it up as my responsibility to carefully reveal things you need to observe, avoid and do before going for cataract surgery. But before we proceed, it would be nice to have a piece of background knowledge about the meaning of cataracts and what cataract surgery is all about. Perhaps, you might not know the meaning of cataract.
What is a cataract?
Cataracts occur when there’s a solid or cloudy zone in the eye’s lens. This eye problem regularly begins when the protein in the eye generates clumps that prevent the lens from sending or transporting clear images to the retina. Don’t forget that the work of the retina is to change the light that comes via the lens into signals. Also, the retina leads signals to the optic nerve before the brain receives them. One fearful thing about cataract is that it occurs bit by bit and if one joke with it, it could result in total blindness.
What is cataract surgery?
Cataract surgery is eradicating the affected natural lens and replacing it with an artificial one. This surgery is done or carried out by a professional ophthalmologist. I can boldly tell you that everyone that has gone through this process can say something good about it. It is not as scary as it sounds to the ears. In some parts of the world, people get scared whenever they hear “surgery.” You don’t need any flattering words before you believe that the only way to restore one’s vision perfectly is by undergoing cataract surgery. It is the easiest and the safest method of getting one’s eye back to work. Don’t be deceived. People can tell you that all you need is eyeglasses. I am not saying eyeglasses cannot work. But I know that eyeglasses cannot perfectly correct your lens as undergoing this surgery would do.
What you need to do before/know going for cataract surgery?
Test: It is expedient to know that test is part of your preparation before entering the theatre room. Your eye doctor will carry out a series of tests on you before the surgery. The essence of doing this surgery is to know the condition of your eyes before the surgery. In fact, don’t see it as if it is too much when your eye doctor calls you to come for a test upon test before the surgery.
It is part of the process. If you want to undergo cataract surgery and your doctor has not been calling you for tests even two weeks before the surgery, you should consider another option. I mean, maybe you should look for another eye surgeon.
Information on the dos and don’ts: Part of the preparation process is for you to know the dos and don’ts before and after the surgery. For instance, you’ll be instructed not to lift heavy things to avoid placing your eyes in bright light after the cataract surgery. Also, your eye doctor would ask you to do some things even before the day of the surgery. So, it is part of the preparation process to know what you need to do to enhance effective surgery and what you need to avoid after the surgery to help the healing process.
Don’t eat and drink on the day of the surgery: Don’t be scared. This will only last for twelve hours before the time of the surgery. Your surgeon will inform you that you need to stay away from food twelve hours before the surgery.
Wear comfortable clothes and avoid cosmetics: Make sure you put on comfortable cloth on the day of surgery. Also, it is expedient for you to avoid using makeup or rubbing your face with cream on the day of the surgery. Makeup is common among women, and it can affect the surgery process. Your surgeon might find it hard to hold the skin in the face if your face is oily or has been attached with makeup. Therefore, it is essential to wear comfortable cloth to the theater room and avoid using cosmetics.
Use eye drops: Before your cataract surgery, the doctor might prescribe one or two eye drops. Make sure you use those eye drops as prescribed. Some of those eye drops works to soften the damaged natural lens. And when the natural lens that will be eradicated during cataract surgery is soft, breaking and removing it becomes easier. Therefore, ensure that you use your eye drops as prescribed to you by the doctor. Of course, some of them might instruct you to continue using the eye drops even after the surgery.
Note any eye changes in your eye health: Before the surgery, it is expedient for you to take note of all the changes that occur in your eye health. Please take note of them and talk to your eye doctor about it. Learn more about the right ophthalmologist for your cataract surgery.
Closing thought
I hope you’ve seen something instructive, educative, and informative. This article consists of the meaning of cataracts and what cataract surgery is all about. Then, I wrap it up with things you need to prepare before going for cataract surgery. Finally, dear reader, please feel free to ask questions. You can drop your question in the comment box if you have any.