A World of Colour: Cataract Surgery Experiences in India

Cataract surgery in India is a common procedure that removes the foggy lens of the eye and replaces it with an artificial lens. Usually, this surgery is performed on an outpatient basis and is generally successful and safe. If you’re thinking about having cataract surgery in India, it’s important to understand what to expect during and after the procedure, so you can prepare and make an informed decision.

Overview of Cataract Surgery

A cataract surgery takes about 30 minutes to complete. It’s generally performed under local anaesthesia, and you’ll be awake throughout the surgery. Your surgeon will break apart the cloudy lens with ultrasonic waves before removing it. Subsequently, the surgeon will insert the artificial lens and close the incision.

Preparing for Cataract Surgery

Before the cataract surgery, your doctor will perform a thorough eye exam to decide if you’re a good candidate for cataract surgery. They’ll also talk about any drugs you’re taking, and you may need to stop taking some of them before the surgery.

Since you won’t be able to drive after the procedure, you’ll need to arrange transportation to and from the surgery centre. You must also refrain from eating or drinking anything for several hours before surgery.                                                               

What to Expect During Cataract Surgery

When you reach the surgery centre, you’ll be given eye drops to dilate your pupils. Also, you’ll be given local anaesthesia to numb your eye and a sedative to help you relax. You’ll be awake during the surgery, but you won’t feel any discomfort.

During the procedure, you may notice some flashing lights, and you may feel some mild discomfort. Your doctor may also ask you to look in specific directions to help them position the artificial lens correctly.

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Recovery After Cataract Surgery

After the surgery, you’ll be taken to a recovery area, where you’ll be observed for a short time. To help prevent infection and injury, you’ll need to wear a protective cover over your eye for some days. Also, your doctor will prescribe eye drops to reduce inflammation and prevent infection.

You should avoid intense activity for at least a week after surgery, as well as rubbing or touching your eye. You may suffer some discomfort or sensitivity to light for a few days, but this should improve.

Before the Surgery:

1. Consultation with your Doctor: Before the surgery, you need to consult with your doctor to decide if cataract surgery is right for you. Your doctor will examine your eyes, review your medical history, and discuss the procedure’s potential risks and benefits with you.
2. Preoperative Preparations: Your doctor will instruct you on how to prepare for the surgery. This may include stopping specific medications, fasting before the surgery, and arranging transportation to and from the surgery centre.    

During the Surgery:

1. Anaesthesia: Cataract surgery is usually performed under local anaesthesia, which means you will be awake during the surgery, but your eye will be numbed with a small injection or eye drops.
2. Cataract Removal: During the procedure, your doctor will create a small incision in your eye and use a special tool to remove the cloudy lens caused by the cataract. Later, this lens is replaced with an artificial lens implant.   
3. Procedure Time: Cataract surgery usually takes less than an hour and is usually an outpatient procedure, which means you can go home the same day.

After the Surgery:

1. Postoperative Precautions: Your doctor will give you specific advice on how to care for your eye as it heals after surgery. This may involve using eye drops to prevent infection and inflammation, avoiding activities that strain your eye, and sleeping with an eye shield.  
2. Recovery Time: Full recovery from cataract surgery can take a few weeks. During this time, you may experience itching, discomfort, or sensitivity to light. Your vision may also be hazy or blurry for a few days or weeks as your eye adjusts to the new lens. 
3. Follow-up Visits: To ensure your eye is recovering properly, your doctor will schedule follow-up appointments. These visits are important to address any potential complications early on.  
4. Glasses: You may still need glasses after cataract surgery for certain activities like driving or reading. Your doctor will decide if you need glasses and what prescription is necessary. However, many patients report improved vision after surgery and may not need glasses as frequently. 
5. Insurance Coverage: Many health insurance plans cover cataract surgery in India. However, it’s important to check with your insurance provider to understand what’s covered and how much you’ll have to pay out of cash. 

When to Call Your Doctor

If you have any of the following symptoms after cataract surgery, you should contact your doctor right away: 

• Severe pain in your eye
• Vision loss
• Increased redness or swelling in your eye
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fever

 

Final Words

Cataract surgery is a safe and successful operation that can help you see better and live a better life. You can prepare for and make an informed decision about whether cataract surgery is best for you if you understand what to expect before and after the procedure.

Curebridge, home to several of India’s most excellent ophthalmologists, is committed to conforming to India’s growing healthcare policies. Curebridge assures that its Opthalmology practice, led by the best ophthalmologists in India, adheres to the most recent norms and regulations by remaining at the forefront of these policies. This commitment to improving the quality of care offered to patients has a global influence by serving as a model for healthcare practices worldwide.

Curebridge’s expertise benefits patients from all over the world, as the institution’s unwavering commitment to compliance and innovation, driven by the best ophthalmologists in India, creates new standards in Ophthalmology, providing hope and healing to people worldwide.