One of the first questions you should ask once an ophthalmology expert diagnoses you with cataracts is “When to schedule my cataract surgery?” When your clouded vision makes it difficult to accomplish the tasks you want or need to do, cataract surgery is the right approach.

Did you know that even in the early stages of cataracts, you can work effectively? Cataracts need to be treated only if they are causing considerable vision problems. As far as you don't have any other significant eye problems, the recovery procedure for cataracts is quick and normally doesn't create any problems. Intra-ocular Lenses are administered to almost everyone who has had cataract surgery. IOLs aid inappropriately concentrating light on the retina. This lens becomes a permanent component of your eye and does not require any further care.

SCHEDULING YOUR CATARACT SURGERY:

Elective operations and treatments are being postponed in many hospitals and healthcare institutes. However, keep in mind that your eye operation is necessary for your vision and wellness. Eyesight might make it difficult to maintain an active lifestyle and accomplish the activities you like.

A new prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses may be helpful when you first notice cataract symptoms. Cataracts, on the other hand, frequently worsen over time. You and your healthcare practitioner may eventually decide to have cataract surgery to help you see well enough to perform everything you want and need to do. Cataracts are not a life-threatening condition. You can postpone the procedure till the time is right for you.

When your clouded vision makes it difficult to accomplish the tasks you want or need to do, cataract surgery is the right approach. Even though your eyesight is flawless, around the age of 40, you should undergo a baseline eye test.
If you have diabetes, blood pressure, heredity problems, or having difficulties with your eyes, don't wait until you're 40 to get your eyes checked. The doctor will tell you when you should return after doing your baseline assessment.

The following is a suggested eye-test schedule:
•Every 2 to 4 years (till you're 60 years old)
•Every 1 to 2 years ( after 60 years old)
•Whenever you're having issues with your vision

BEFORE AND AFTER YOUR SURGERY PREPARATIONS:

Gather your medical records before you go to your appointment. Your visit might last as little as half an hour, but it'll most likely last an hour or more. Your ophthalmologist will always want to know regarding:

•Any previous eye problems, traumas, or surgeries
•Health conditions in the past and present
•If you have a history of eye illness in your family
•Your profession and pastimes (in order to determine the potential for injury)
•Name, location, and phone number of your primary care physician

Bring your glasses or contact lenses with you to your appointment. Take sunglasses with you as well, since your doctor will most likely use eye drops to dilate your pupils, which will make your eyes highly sensitive to bright light for many hours. In fact, you might want to hire a driver to get you home.

•On the day of operation, there is no need to fast or restrict their meals.
•On the day before surgery, patients are encouraged to take all of their oral medicines (excluding blood thinners in rare situations).
•Because cataract surgery is a day-care operation, the patient's total time at the eye hospital will not exceed four hours.
•Patients are provided with detailed pre-and post-operative instructions, as well as advice on how to follow the established protocols.
•After surgery, you may be on post-operative medication for at least 2 months( that is nearly 8 weeks)
•The eye surgeon will plan regular follow-up appointments to examine and help the patient through the post-operative healing process.

WHEN SHOULD CATARACT SURGERY FOR THE SECOND EYE BE SCHEDULED?

You will require two operations if you need cataract surgery for both eyes. The overall quality of life is improved with cataract surgery of the second eye. As a result, most patients who have cataract surgery in one eye desire to have surgery in the second eye as soon as possible. The amount of time between cataract procedures is determined by the length of time it takes your initial eye to heal, as well as your practitioner.

It is preferable to have the second Cataract surgery as soon as possible after the first, experts recommend that the two procedures be separated by a short period of time. Both eyes are often operated on at three to eight weeks intervals. The period between these two procedures is not set in stone, and the entire procedure is dependent on the doctor and the patient's condition.

RECOVERY AFTER SURGERY:

Following Cataract surgery, patients frequently report feeling more secure both professionally and personally, as well as compared to other eye procedures, cataract surgery recovery is rather rapid. After cataract surgery, most patients recover quickly and can see clearly the next day. For the first few days or weeks, your eyesight may vary before settling. With cataract surgery, do not exercise for at least a week. It's safe to go to work now that your vision is clear.

Returning to work, on the other hand, may imply highly hectic schedules and insufficient time to care for the operated eyes and continue to use eye drops following the cataract surgery. The surgery's soreness and tenderness will subside in a few days. Start with some light to moderate exercises, like walking or stretching. If you are one of these people, you should take a few days off from work. You may need two to three days of rest and rehabilitation, depending on your health. Patients can resume their favorite hobbies once their cataract surgery recovery time is finished.

WRAPPING UP:

It's time to schedule cataract surgery if cataracts are preventing you from being active and productive. When you think it's time for surgery, talk to your ophthalmologist about the process, which involves removing the natural lens and replacing it with an artificial one.

IOLs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and your eye doctor will determine which one is ideal for you. Although, just before the procedure, the eye expert normally talks with you about your options and then selects which lens would perform great for you. If you're still undecided about when to schedule cataract surgery, talk to your ophthalmologist for further information and make an appointment straight immediately for your baseline assessment.