Removal of a cataract and return to clear vision not only restores your quality of life, but can also provide you with new horizons in day-to-day living.

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Recovery from Cataract Surgery

Following surgery, you will be moved to a quiet area to recover from the effects of the sedation and local anaesthetic. Most patients are ready to leave within a few hours, so arrange for someone to drive you home. For the next 24 hours do not:

• Drive or operate heavy machinery
• Make important decisions or sign legal documents
• Drink alcohol

Your ophthalmologist or nurse may give you additional aftercare instructions. Most patients get sufficient relief from pain and discomfort by using over-the-counter medicines such as paracetamol.

Recovery is usually quick. Soon after surgery, most people notice that their vision has improved, though glasses may still be needed for reading. Within a few days of the surgery, your ophthalmologist will want to examine your eye and check the progress.

After the shield is removed, wear sunglasses if light becomes too bright. Be careful that you:

• Use eye drops as directed
• Do not jar or stress the eye
• Do not rub or press on the eye

There may be some restrictions to your activities for up to two weeks, and then you can resume your activities and exercise in moderation. After the eye has healed and adjusted to the intraocular lenses for several weeks, your eye will need to be tested again and you may need glasses or be given a new prescription.

Concerns

In the days following the procedure be sure to tell your ophthalmologist if you have any of the following:

• Fever more than 38°C
• Chills
• Increasing redness of the eye
• Increasing blurred or disturbed vision
• Nausea or vomiting
• Excessive coughing
• Pain that is not relieved by non-prescription medications such as paracetamol
• Any other concerns regarding your surgery

Cloudy Vision After Surgery

Once the natural lens has been removed, a cataract cannot come back, however, in a few patients, vision may again become cloudy and hazy after a few months. This is due to clouding of the lens capsule behind the intraocular lens and can take months or years to develop. This condition is known as Posterior Capsular Opacification (PCO) or Secondary Cataract.

An ophthalmologist can quickly correct the problem by performing a painless and safe procedure called a Capsulotomy in the consultation room or clinic. A laser beam is used to create an opening in the cloudy capsule which allows light to pass easily.

Clinical studies have shown that the material from which an intraocular lens is made can affect the possibility of PCO occurring. If you have any concerns, discuss them with your ophthalmologist.