Cataracts are a very common condition that can affect vision, but can be treated with cataract surgery. Cataracts are most commonly seen as an age-related condition in which the eyes' natural lenses gradually cloud over. The most common symptoms of cataracts are cloudy vision, decreased night vision associated with glare and halos, and double vision.
By replacing the natural lens with an intraocular lens during cataract surgery, patients can reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses after the procedure. Recovery takes between 24 hours or a couple of days, initially patients leave the clinic with blurred vision and it improves as days go by.
Recovery time after cataract surgery will vary depending on the patient's circumstances. Common postoperative symptoms include:
- Most patients will experience blackheads. These were present before surgery, but are now more visible due to more light entering the eye.
- There will be halos around the lights for the first week or two as the cornea heals from surgery.
- If a block was used, you may notice double vision or eyelid drooping within the first 48 hours.
- Grit in the eye or even the feeling that there is a grain of sand in the eye can result from the microscopic incisions that have been made. This may take 3 or even 6 months to resolve, but can be relieved with regular use of lubricants.
El Dr. José Alberto Muiños Gómez-Camacho, medical director of Innova Ocular Muiños Clinic, explains if after the cataract intervention the patient can come out seeing well.
