The ability to see is dependent on the actions of several components in and around the eye.
When looking at an object, light rays are reflected from the object to the cornea. The lights rays are refracted and focused by the cornea and the lens. The lens allows the light rays to focus sharply on the retina, and results as an upside-down image. The retina then converts the light rays into electrical impulses which are transmitted through the optic nerve to the brain. The brain translates the image and the result is an image in the upright position.
The human eye is similar to a camera. A camera needs a lens to focus an image and film to produce an image. In that way, the eye needs a lens (cornea, lens) to refract and focus light and a film (retina) on which to focus the light rays. If any one or more of these components is not functions properly, the result is a poor image. The retina, representing the film in a camera, captures the image and sends the picture to the brain to be developed. The macula is the highly sensitive central area of our retina that is responsible for our central focusing vision. It is the most used part of the retina
MYOPIA: Nearsightedness
Myopia, also known as nearsightedness is when the light entering the eye focuses in front of the retina rather than on the retina. Nearsighted people typically see well up close but poorly at a distance. This is caused by the eye being longer than a normal eye.
HYPEROPIA: Farsightedness
Hyperopia, also known as farsightedness, is when the light entering the eye focuses behind the retina rather than on the retina. Farsighted people typically have difficulty seeing up close and at a distance. This is caused by the eye being shorter than a normal eye.
ASTIGMATISM:
Astigmatism is when the front surface of the eye called the cornea is oval like a football rather than spherical like basketball. The cornea has 2 points of focus, a steeper point and a flatter point that causes light to focus at one or more points onto the retina, resulting in blurry vision for distance and near.
On the day of surgery, rest as much as possible for the remainder of the day. Limit TV viewing and reading. One eye may recover more quickly than the other, so do not be concerned if the vision or comfort is different between the two eyes. It is normal for your vision to be blurry and fluctuate for the first few weeks. During the healing phase, you may note dimming of your vision in the evening and halos around lights, which will steadily improve. The overall quality of your vision can continue to improve for 3 to 6 months.
While awake, blink frequently to keep the eyes moist. Wear sunglasses outdoors for 1 week.
A moderate degree of stinging, scratchiness, tearing, light sensitivity, and soreness may be experienced during the first several hours after surgery. Please contact us immediately if you have pain that is not controlled by your medications. It is normal to have red spots on the white of the eye and for the eyelids to be swollen.
Continue wearing the eye shields until you return to our office the next day. Wear the eye shields when sleeping or napping for the first week.
A bandage contact lens is occasionally applied. If it comes out, DO NOT attempt to put it back in your eye.
If you experience dry eye after surgery, temporary or silicone tear punctum plugs may be needed. The silicone plugs have an additional charge of $65 per plug.
Restrictions Following Surgery
Do not rub, scratch, touch, or press on your eyes.
Do not apply eye makeup for one week.
Do not drink any alcoholic beverages for 24 hours.
Do not scuba dive, swim or sit in a hot tub for one month.
Avoid getting tap water in the eyes for one week. Keep the eyes closed while showering.
Do not drive until cleared by the doctor. Therefore, DO NOT drive if your vision is blurry.
Health Care workers should request patients without transmittable diseases for 1 week.
*No contact sports for two weeks. Polycarbonate sports goggles should be used thereafter. We highly recommend that all our patients use protective eyewear that conforms to the high impact Z-81 standards in any situation in which the eye is capable/vulnerable to injury.
AFTER YOUR CATARACT SURGERY
ON THE DAY OF SURGERY: Resume all systemic medications after surgery as instructed by your family doctor and/or other physician(s).
If you leave the hospital WITHOUT a patch over your eye:
Use one drop of each of these THREE medications every 2 hours until bedtime:
VIGAMOX / PREDNISOLONE / ACULAR or XIBROM Or NEVANAC
It is not necessary to awaken for eye drops during the night.
Resume the eye drops upon awakening the following morning and continue every 2 hours until your appointment with your doctor.
Wear the protective eye shield at night while sleeping for ONE week. (DO NOT use gauze behind the shield)
If you leave the hospital WITH a patch over your eye:
Remove the eye patch 7 hours after discharge
Use one drop of each of these THREE medications every 2 hours until bedtime:
VIGAMOX / PREDNISOLONE / ACULAR or XIBROM Or NEVANAC
General expectations following surgery
Some degree of irritation, redness, watering, and blurred vision is expected after cataract surgery.
Your eye may be light sensitive. Wear the provided sunglasses when outside in the sun or wind for at least 1 week.
It is very common to have the sensation of something being in the eye for several days.
It is also common for the eyelid to droop somewhat after surgery. This may require a few weeks to months to return to normal.
New glasses are not prescribed until healing is complete, usually after 3 to 4 weeks.
Report severe pain or loss of vision immediately!
After returning home from surgery
Rest for the remainder of the day.
Always wash your hands before using the drops or applying the eye shield.
You may take Tylenol Extra Strength, two capsules every 4 to 6 hours, for discomfort.
Do not sleep face down on the operated eye.
Move slowly as your balance and depth perception may be affected for a short time.
Restrictions following surgery
DO NOT rub, scratch, touch, or press on the operated eye.
DO NOT touch the tip of the eyedroppers to the operated eye.
DO NOT lift more than 30 pounds for the first week after surgery.
AVOID vigorous exercise or swimming for 1 week. Gentle exercise like walking is fine.
AVOID getting water in the eye for one week. It is okay to shower, bathe, or wash your hair.
