What is Cataract?
Cataract is a condition of the eye, where the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy, leading to the appearance of blurry vision, difficulty seeing at night or in dim light, and the development of glare.
Usually, it develops due to aging, but it can also be caused due to diabetes, injury to the eyes, or prolonged use of steroids. The different signs and symptoms that denote the condition cataract include:
- Cloudy vision
- Seeing halos around lights
- Increased difficulty seeing in low light
- Issues of double vision
- Requirement of brighter light when reading or writing
- Frequent changes in prescription lenses
- Significant impairment in vision
- Milky or yellowish pupil
- Blurring of vision
- Increased sensitivity to light, especially at night
Treatment Options for Cataract
Based on the severity of the condition, various surgical and non-surgical treatment options are available for patients struggling with cataracts. These include:
- Visual aids such as polarised sunglasses, anti-glare glasses, or updated glasses or contact lens prescriptions are the non-surgical treatment options available for patients.
- For the surgical option, phacoemulsification is a commonly used procedure in which a small incision is made to break the cloudy lens. The incision is typically between 2 to 3 mm, and the fragments of the lens are removed by suction.
- For individuals with extremely dense cataracts, extracapsular cataract extraction surgery is used, which involves an even larger incision to remove the lens in a single piece.
- An artificial lens is implanted after removing the cataract-affected lens. These include:
- Monofocal IOLs to help provide clear vision at one distance (usually far);
- Multifocal IOLs to assist in vision for multiple distances;
- Toric IOLs to help correct astigmatism in addition to replacing the lens; and
- Accommodative IOLs to move or change shape inside the eye to allow focus at different distances.
Like any other surgery, surgery for cataract itself has low risk, but can leave eyes vulnerable for a few weeks to infections and complications. The intent of this guide is to provide a detailed precaution list covering do’s and don’ts after cataract surgery.
Grewal Eye Institute is known for its accreditations, skilled team of ophthalmologists, and personalised care plans making it the best ophthalmology hospital imbibing the use of latest tools and equipment to deliver the best eye care plans to the patients struggling with cataract.
Precautions After Cataract Surgery
1. Protection of eyes
It is essential to protect the eyes from dust, water, injury, and to maintain a clean and irritation-free environment, allowing the eyes to heal after the surgery. For this, wearing a protective eye shield and eyeglasses given by the doctor while sleeping for at least one week is required.
Along with this, guarding the eyes against sunlight and dust whenever stepping outside by using UV-protective sunglasses is also recommended. Hygiene also plays a crucial role here. Washing the hands thoroughly before touching the eyes or applying drops is required after cataract surgery.
Rubbing or pressing on the operated eye is strictly prohibited. It is also recommended to avoid dusty or smoky environments as much as possible. Along with this, patients must avoid splashing water directly on the face for at least a week after the surgery.
2. Physical strain on the body
Just after cataract surgery, the body requires adequate rest to support the healing of the eyes. That is why it is required to avoid strenuous work for at least 1 week after the surgery. Excessive exercise, complicated yoga poses, driving, bending forward, and lifting heavy objects must be avoided for at least 2 to 3 weeks after the surgery.
3. Bathing rituals
Just after the surgery, as the eyes are healing, extra care is required to avoid letting soap or shampoo get near the eyes. Heavy eye makeup is also advised to be avoided for at least 3 to 4 weeks after the surgery. For bathing, sponge baths or washing the body below the neck can be done to avoid the risk of letting shampoo or soap into the eyes.
4. Diet and hydration
Nothing beats the importance of diet and adequate hydration to support the healing of the eyes after cataract surgery. While there are no food restrictions, a nutritious diet helps in supporting eye health.
A diet rich in green leafy vegetables, vitamin A, vitamin C, and omega-3 fatty acids is required, along with the intake of an adequate amount of fluids to support the healing of the eyes. Excessive oily or spicy food must be avoided to prevent bloating or the development of pressure in the eyes.
Consumption of alcohol and smoking are to be strictly avoided as they can cause changes in the blood vessels, leading to leakage and the development of complications.
5. Regular use of eye drops
It is highly required to follow the dosage and timing of prescribed eye drops. Antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops help in the prevention of infections, reduce swelling, and avoid complications that may arise in the operated eye.
Patients after cataract surgery are heavily required to follow the schedule or routine of using the eye drops at regular intervals while maintaining proper hygiene when handling the dropper. It is also required to not miss any dose or stop the use of eye drops without medical advice and approval.
Mild redness and irritation are commonly observed in patients after cataract surgery for 2 to 3 days. The vision may also appear slightly blurred and sensitive to light. Within a week, vision starts improving after the cataract surgery, and many patients can resume routine activities such as watching television or reading. After 4 to 6 weeks, full healing is achieved.
Long Term Tips to Protect Eye Health After Cataract Surgery
Long-term attention to eye health can help in the overall development of the eyes and well-being after cataract surgery. While the artificial intraocular lens implanted during surgery is designed to last a lifetime, that does not mean that the eyes of the patient after cataract surgery are immune to complications and future problems. That is why healthy lifestyle steps are required to safeguard eyesight. These include:
- Regular eye check-ups to detect any age-related diseases, such as macular degeneration or glaucoma, can help in maintaining eye health. Such eye exams can also help in monitoring the pressure of the eyes and the retinal health of the eyes.
- Protecting the eyes from harmful UV rays whenever stepping outside is a must. A wide-brimmed hat along with high-quality sunglasses can help in providing eye safety.
- A balanced and nutritious diet, which includes food items such as green leafy vegetables, carrots, sweet potatoes, citrus fruits, berries, nuts, and seeds, can help in supporting the eye tissues. All these food sources are rich in different vitamins and minerals required by the eyes for protecting the retina.
- While today’s world is screen-heavy, adequate digital breaks are required for the overall health of the eyes. Following the 20–20–20 rule, which says looking at something 20 feet away after every 20 minutes for 20 seconds, can help in reducing the strain on the eyes. Along with this, blue light filters or anti-reflective glasses and lenses must be used when working for long hours on screens.
- There cannot be enough emphasis on avoiding the consumption of alcohol and cigarettes. Both these habits can dangerously affect eye health, leading to issues like dry eyes or optic nerve damage. Quitting smoking can help in elevating the supply of oxygen to the eyes and thereby reducing the risk of eye-related problems.
- A lot of health conditions such as high blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and excessive cholesterol can damage the vision over time. That is why keeping a check on systemic health and maintaining a healthy weight to support the circulation of blood to the eyes and brain is required.
- Apart from all the lifestyle changes and long-term tips, one must be aware of sudden changes to the eyes, such as floaters, distorted vision, or flashes of light. Such signs must not be ignored, and medical intervention must be obtained.
Final Thoughts- Eye Health is Crucial
As mentioned in the former section of this piece, there are several eye-related troubles that can arise when a person is suffering from cataract. But it should be noted that these risks are heavily preventable with early detection and consistent management of health.
Regular eye exams, healthy lifestyle habits, and measures to control blood sugar levels can help in preserving and protecting vision. Annual eye exams can help in the early detection of eye issues allowing for better management.
It is equally important to consistently manage blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels to reduce any strain on the delicate blood vessels of the eyes. While cataract poses a serious threat to vision, maintaining overall health and making healthy choices can make all the difference.