Cataract Surgery: Treatment, Recovery, and Financing Options
Have you ever looked through a dusty glass before? It sure must have been clouded with dust that you couldn’t see through it correctly. That is what a cataract can do to the eyes. A cataract can make your vision blurry and unclear when it affects the eye lens. The only way to restore good vision is through cataract surgery. This article will tell you all you need to know about the procedure.
Cataract surgery is an eye surgery that involves the removal of the damaged natural eye lens. After the damaged eye lens is gone, your eye doctor would insert an artificial eye lens, also known as an intraocular lens (IOL).
Why Do You Need A Cataract Surgery?
In its early stages, the symptoms of a cataract may not be obvious. But, it gets very significant in time. If you notice any of these signs, you need to visit us at Eye MD Monterey – Upper Ragsdale Dr for proper evaluation.
- A blurred or fogged vision
- Difficulties with reading
- Not being able to see at night results in difficulties driving at night.
- Pain or sensitivity in the eye to light. It is known as photophobia.
These symptoms suggest clouding of the crystalline eye lens, and your eye doctor in Monterrey, CA, will recommend cataract surgery.
What Does Getting Cataract Surgery Near Monterey, CA Entail?
Before the surgery, your eye doctor will conduct an eye measurement to get the perfect artificial lens or IOL. Your eye doctor would also ask you to begin some medication before the surgery. These will prevent swelling or infection before and after the surgery. Lastly, your ophthalmologist would advise you not to drink or eat anything for 12 hours before your treatment begins.
On the day, your eye doctor would desensitize the area first before starting the surgery to prevent any pain or discomfort during the surgery. They will do this as an injection into the area around the eye. Note that you won’t get general anesthesia because you would have to be awake during the procedure. This way, the ophthalmologist can ask you questions if you feel weird during the treatment. The eye is a delicate part, and it needs extra care; if not, many things could go wrong.
Next, your eye doctor would make a thin laceration on your eye with a laser to gain access to your lens. Next, they will remove the lens and place the artificial one in there.
The laceration is usually left to heal on its own, while an eye guard is placed on your eye to protect it. After the surgery, your eye doctor would recommend that you rest for 30minutes at the treatment area. After which, you would be allowed to go home. However, it would help if you didn’t drive by yourself. You can get a driver or ask a family member to come to pick you up.
If the cataract is in both eyes, your eye doctor would perform the surgery on one eye first and wait for it to heal before surgery on the other eye. This way, they can ensure that vision is intact in one eye if anything goes wrong.
Aftercare For Cataract Surgery
After your surgery, your eye doctor would prescribe some drugs and eye drops that you would need to use.
Do not allow soap or water to get into your eyes directly. Do not scratch your eyes. Your ophthalmologist in 93940 would prevent this by placing an eye guard. You must also use an eye guard when you sleep to prevent you from unconsciously scratching your eye.
Meanwhile, it would help if you tried to keep away from strenuous activities until your eye has healed.
What Are My Financial Options With Cataract Surgery?
For the financial aspect, you can talk to an eye doctor in Monterey, CA, to evaluate your payment and all that you would need before getting the surgery.
Although insurance companies might cover the expenses for the surgery, they might not cover all the expenses since an artificial eye lens varies in type and features.
Looking for Cataract Surgery in Monterey, CA? Call us or book an appointment with Eye MD Monterey today!