Common Questions after Cataract Surgery

By admin | Oct 10, 2018

I feel great.  Are my postoperative instructions really that crucial?

All cataract surgery techniques, whether it is regular, or laser assisted, require incisions to be made in the eye. These incisions take about one month to heal properly.  Prior to this point, it is possible to gently push against the cataract incision and the wound will open. This can lead to all kinds of problems such as the lens shifting, eye contents moving out of their normal position, or infection. None of these are desirable outcomes. Therefore, it is very important to heed all postoperative directions. These directions generally include wearing an eye shield at night so there is no accidental rubbing of the eye and using postoperative drops that help with inflammation and infection. Precautions such as no heavy lifting or bending, and keeping the wounds clean are generally advisable. After a successful surgery, having a good recovery is one of the best things you can do in order to attain the best possible vision long term.

My vision is not as clear immediately postoperatively.  Is this anything to worry about?

Some people have very clear vision immediately postoperatively. However, it is not uncommon to have blurry vision when you go to your first postoperative appointment. In order to perform cataract surgery, powerful dilating drops were used, and your pupil may still be dilated. The eye also underwent a surgery, and it can take a few weeks for the inflammation to abate and healing to occur. The key is to be patient with your recovery and follow all postoperative directions.

(Vision may not be clear immediately after surgery)

Is it possible to get a second cataract?

No, it is not possible to get the second cataract.  In about 20% of cases, a posterior capsular opacification can develop, leading to cloudy vision. Generally, during cataract surgery, the posterior capsule is left intact. This provides the lens that is inserted into the posterior capsular bag to have stability. Over time, this capsule can become cloudy, much like a dirty window.  When this happens, light cannot pass through the capsule as well, and blurry vision results.  If you develop posterior capsular opacification, your ophthalmologist will suggest a laser treatment in order to open the posterior capsule.  After the treatment, light can once again pass unobstructed and the vision will be clearer.

In over 90 percent of cases, cataract surgery and recovery is uneventful.  It is important to work with your ophthalmologist to follow all instructions to give yourself the best chance of a complete recovery with the best possible vision.