Cataracts form when proteins build up and adhere to the lens of your eye. They slowly develop on the eye, and you usually don’t notice the onset. Your vision progressively gets cloudy or blurry until you are unable to see. An ophthalmologist determines the cataract’s severity by examining your eye. Ultimately, surgery is required to remove cataracts.
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How Do I Know I Need Cataract Surgery?
An ophthalmologist specializes in the treatment of the eyes and eye diseases. The doctor examines the overall health of your eyes and takes non-intrusive measurements to determine the best replacement lenses for your needs. Dr. Lobanoff has been recognized as a best cataract surgeon in America. He offers a wide variety of cataract lenses to ensure that his patients have the most effective solution to their vision problems. Along with physical measurements, the doctor asks questions to understand the effect cataracts have on your daily life:
- Is your vision worse at night?
- Are you more sensitive to bright lights or glares?
- How blurry is your vision?
- Are you experiencing double vision?
- Do you see halos around lights?
What Questions Should I Ask the Surgeon?
Dr. Lobanoff works hard to ensure his patients are comfortable with cataract surgery. Visit their office if you need cataract surgery in the Minneapolis, MN area. They will be able to answer all of your questions or concerns before and on the day of the surgery. They can explain the best replacement lens and the type of surgery to be performed – traditional or laser. Be sure to ask if you will still need glasses after your surgery. You may need glasses for up-close reading or computer vision. The office staff can help you determine the cost of the surgery and the amount insurance covers.
How Do I Prepare for Surgery?
Most doctors provide you with detailed instructions to prepare for surgery. Discuss any requests to stop medication with the prescribing doctor. They may be able to prescribe an alternative medicine. If not, your ophthalmologist may be able to adjust the surgical procedure. Other recommendations for the day of surgery include, but are not limited to:
- Ask a trusted adult to drive you to and from the surgery center.
- Adjust your medication per guidance from your medical providers.
- Take several days off of work to allow for healing.
- Wear glasses, not contact lenses, several days before the surgery.
What Happens before the Procedure?
When you arrive at the surgery center, you complete paperwork, verify your identity and sign insurance forms. The staff will help you feel comfortable and relaxed throughout the procedure. Some surgery centers ask that you change into a robe, but most allow you to remain in your clothes. Choose comfortable clothing that is easy to remove. Vital signs, such as your temperature, blood pressure, and respiration rate, will be noted and monitored during and after the surgery.
What Happens During the Surgery?
The ophthalmologist uses a series of numbing medications to prevent pain. They dilate the pupil and give you a mild sedative to relax. Everyone reacts differently to the sedative, but you will be awake during the surgery. The doctor removes the clouded lens, and the replacement lens is placed. After a short recovery, you go home with your driver.
What Are the Side Effects?
Immediately after cataract surgery, you may experience mild eye irritation, such as itchiness or grittiness in the eye. Your vision may be blurry for a few days but progressively improves. The ophthalmologist recommends ways to help relieve the discomfort. Many people notice that colors are much brighter after the surgery. While side effects are typically mild, call your doctor if you have any questions.
How Do I Care for My Eyes After Surgery?
Caring for your eye after surgery is critical. Your doctor will provide detailed instructions to follow. Most frequently, these include:
- Wear an eye patch after surgery and for several nights when you sleep.
- Use antibiotic eye drops according to prescriber directions.
- Avoid exercise until released by the ophthalmologist.
- Do not get water or soap into your eyes for several days.
- Go to your follow-up visits so your doctor can monitor healing.
Once you have gone through the procedure with the first eye, most ophthalmologists recommend that you have the cataract in the other eye treated within a few weeks. The surgeries are the same, but you should feel much more comfortable after the success of your first procedure.
