Understanding Cataract Surgery
Cataracts are an eye condition that clouds the lens of your eye and causes significant vision loss and even blindness if left untreated. While you can slow the progression of cataracts with regular eye exams and eye care from your optometrist, the only way to treat cataracts is with laser eye surgery. The ophthalmologists at Chapel Hill Ophthalmology in Chapel Hill, NC, offer cataract eye surgery to protect your eye and vision health. Continue reading to learn about cataract surgery and what to expect from the procedure.
What Is Cataract Surgery?
Cataract surgery is a routine outpatient procedure performed by an ophthalmologist to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with an artificial lens implant called an intraocular lens, or IOL. This vision correction surgery usually takes less than 30 minutes and involves tiny incisions in the eye. Cataract surgery can safely and effectively remove cataracts while reducing or eliminating the need for glasses or contacts.
What Happens During Cataract Surgery?
Your ophthalmologist will begin treatment by numbing your eye with anesthesia drops. They will then create a tiny incision in the cornea to break apart the clouded lens into smaller pieces with ultrasound waves. Your ophthalmologist removes the fragmented lens with suction before inserting an IOL. Your incision usually does not require stitches and will heal on its own. The procedure should take 15-30 minutes, with most patients reporting minimal or no discomfort.
What Is the Recovery Like for Cataract Surgery?
Patients are usually able to return home shortly after cataract eye surgery. You may experience minor blurry vision immediately after surgery, but this should improve within a few hours. Our ophthalmologist will have you wear an eye shield at night to protect your eye while it heals for a few days after surgery. Vision typically improves significantly within one or two weeks before restoring complete visual clarity after four to six weeks. Continue scheduling regular checkups with your optometrist to monitor your recovery and ensure desired results.
Contact Your Ophthalmologist Near You in Chapel Hill, NC, for Cataract Surgery Today
Cataracts can cause severe vision loss or blindness if left untreated, so contact your ophthalmologist at Chapel Hill Ophthalmology in Chapel Hill, NC, to get the cataract treatment necessary to keep your vision strong. Call us and schedule an eye care appointment today at (919) 942-8701 to protect your eye and vision health.