How Long Between Cataract Surgery On Each Eye?
July 1, 2024
Have you noticed that colors look less vivid or that your vision seems blurry or cloudy? These effects can be signs of a very common condition called cataracts. These natural changes occur in most people as they age. Cataract surgery is a simple, low-risk procedure that immediately removes your cataracts with long-lasting effects.
What are Cataracts?
Your eye has a disc-shaped structure called a lens that rests behind the colored part of your eye and focuses light. Over time, the proteins that form this lens can break down and stick together, causing the lens to become cloudy. Common symptoms include dulled color vision, glare around lights, and increased vision problems at all distances. While they may happen slowly, cataracts can eventually lead to vision loss.
How Does Cataract Surgery Work?
During cataract surgery, your eyes are numbed, and you will receive IV medication to keep you relaxed but awake. Your eye surgeon makes a small incision in the capsule that holds the lens, gently breaks it up, removes it, and replaces it with an artificial lens. Some people choose an advanced vision-correcting lens.
How Long Between Cataract Surgery on Each Eye?
Almost all eye surgeons perform cataract surgery one eye at a time. The goal is to allow the treated eye to heal without complications before treating the other one. Since healing after this procedure takes place very quickly, most people can have their second surgery after a week. However, your eye surgeon may recommend that you wait several weeks, depending on how you heal and other factors.
The Path to Clearer Vision Starts Here
Who is a Good Candidate for Cataract Surgery?
If your ophthalmologist diagnoses you with cataracts but you have few to no symptoms, they will usually not recommend surgery. Many people continue, often with corrective lenses, for years before the vision impairment becomes a problem.
You become a candidate for cataract surgery when the condition begins to affect you in negative ways, limiting your activities or causing problems with day-to-day life. To have the procedure, you should have otherwise healthy eyes.
Your eye surgeon will discuss the option of a premium IOL (intraocular lens). This lens not only removes the cataract but corrects refractive errors so you may have less need for glasses or contacts. This option allows many people to enjoy corrected vision for a lifetime.
What Results Will I See After Cataract Surgery?
Many people notice improvements almost immediately after their procedure. However, you may notice a day or two of sensitivity, irritation, and blurred vision. You will have eye drops to use regularly as directed. Your vision may remain hazy for a few days and can continue to stabilize for a few weeks. Your new lenses will never develop cataracts or other age-related issues.
Take the Next Step
If you’d like to learn more about cataract surgery, schedule a consultation with our Heart of Texas Eye Care team, serving Dripping Springs, Austin, Kyle, Bee Cave, Marble Falls, and other surrounding areas. Contact us at (512) 213-2220 today!
*Individual results may vary