Cataracts impair vision, causing things to look blurry, hazy, or dull. When cataracts first begin to develop, they’re often unnoticeable. As they progress, they can interfere with daily life and increase the risk of car accidents, falling, and other injuries.
While there is no cure for cataracts, cataract surgery is effective at treating cataracts and restoring vision. When considering cataract surgery, it’s common to wonder “what can I expect after cataract surgery?” At the Peña Eye Institute in Harlingen, TX, Dr. Raul A. Peña explains the benefits of cataract surgery and what type of results you can expect after treatment.
About Cataract Surgery
Cataracts are cloudy formations that build up in the lenses of the eyes. Cataracts are a natural part of the aging process and form as a result of the proteins in the lenses breaking down.
Cataract surgery is the only treatment for removing cataracts and restoring vision. During cataract surgery, the clouded lens is removed from the eye and replaced with an artificial lens, called an intraocular lens implant (IOL).
Cataract surgery is a fairly quick procedure that is performed on an outpatient basis. Patients who undergo cataract surgery experience many benefits after surgery. Here are just a few things you can expect after cataract surgery.
The First Few Days After Cataract Surgery
Some patients notice immediate improvement in their vision after cataract surgery but it’s also common to experience blurry vision for the first few days of recovery. As the eye heals and adjusts to the IOL, vision will become clearer.
In addition to blurry vision, patients may feel some mild discomfort or itching while they heal. It’s important not to rub or push on the eye during this time as touching the eyes can lead to complications including infection.
During the first few days of recovery, patients may need to wear a protective shield or eye patch to protect the eye during the day and while sleeping. Medicated eye drops may be prescribed to keep the eye comfortable and reduce the risk of infection.
After Your Cataract Surgery Recovery
Once recovered from cataract surgery, our Harlingen patients can expect the following improvements and changes.
Clearer Vision
Many patients begin to see clearer with a few days of recovery but may not see the full results until the eye is completely healed. This can take 3 to 10 weeks.
Once fully healed, patients can expect clearer vision free from the cloudy fog of seeing through cataracts.
Brighter Colors
Cataracts can make everything look like its tinted yellow or brown. Seeing life through a yellow or brown tint can make colors look dull.
After cataract surgery, many patients find that colors no longer look yellow and dull but brighter and more vibrant.
Better Night Vision
People with cataracts often have poor night vision. This can make it difficult and dangerous to drive at night. Removing cataracts can help improve night vision and reduce the risk of accidents related to poor night vision.
Better Quality of Life
As cataracts progress, they make it difficult to see which impacts all aspects of life. When you can’t see clearly, driving becomes more dangerous, reading is difficult, and enjoying things like watching a movie or television can become frustrating. Removing cataracts can restore vision and improve quality of life.
You May Still Need Glasses
Although patients can expect an improvement in their vision after cataract surgery, some people will still need to wear eyeglasses.
Once the eyes are sufficiently healed, the eyes should be examined again to determine whether a new prescription is needed.
Contact the Peña Eye Institute
If you are interested in cataract surgery or would like more information about the procedure, recovery, or other eye care needs, we welcome you to schedule a consultation with Harlingen eye surgeon Raul Peña.
