Diminished clarity and hazy eyes can turn something as simple as driving at night or reading your favorite books into a challenge. In cases like that, cataracts are a possibility. Cataracts are described as a clouding of the lens inside your eye. Luckily, there is an incredibly successful way of fixing them.
Cataract surgery in Orange County is among the most frequent procedures performed in the US today. Ophthalmologists remove your clouded lens and replace it with an artificial one. If you reside in Southern California and need this treatment, here are a few facts you should consider before scheduling your procedure.
Choosing the Best Doctor in Orange County
Southern California is filled with competent and reputable medical specialists, so picking the surgeon you will work with is a rather important step. Try looking for a board-certified ophthalmologist that performs cataract procedures regularly and provides good results. Reading reviews of previous patients and asking your general practitioner or optometrist about their recommendations is always helpful too.
It’s wise to ask a few questions during your consultation to learn more about the experience of your surgeon. Remember that building trust with your surgical team is essential for a smooth procedure and fast recovery.
Intraocular Lens Types and Your Options
To cure you of cataracts, a physician will remove the clouded lens inside your eye and replace it with an artificial one. There are several kinds of artificial lenses available, which your doctor will help you choose from depending on your preferences.
Monofocal lenses are the most typical and usually covered by insurance. They provide sharp vision at a particular distance – usually, distant objects, meaning that you’ll probably still need your glasses for other purposes. Premium lenses include multifocal lenses that give improved vision at multiple distances and thus help to cut out the necessity to wear glasses.
Additionally, there are special toric lenses, created to deal with astigmatism. Talk to your surgeon about the specifics of your day-to-day life to find out what kind of IOL will serve your needs best.
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Pre-Operative and Post-Operative Instructions
Preparing for Your Surgery
Several days before your surgery, your doctor will conduct a thorough examination to find out your exact lens dimensions. Based on those parameters, they will select the best IOL for you. Your physician may ask you to cease using some medicines for a few days and give you prescription eye drops that will help to avoid infections and inflammations during your surgery.
Day of Surgery
Being an outpatient procedure, cataract surgery allows you to go home afterward. The operation itself takes less than thirty minutes. Your eye will be thoroughly anesthetized, allowing you to stay comfortable during your procedure. Even though you’ll be awake, you won’t feel a thing and won’t be able to observe the actions of your doctor since the room will be darkened. Once the operation is completed, you’ll get some rest in a recovery ward before heading back home with the help of a relative.
Recovering From Your Surgery
Your vision might stay blurry for a few days after the procedure until it heals and adapts to your new lens. To speed up the recovery process, your doctor will prescribe special eye drops for a few weeks after the surgery. It’s vital to refrain from rubbing, poking, or putting any pressure on your eye. Additionally, try to avoid doing any heavy lifting for some time. Most patients fully recover within just a week.
Improving Your Life
The choice to have cataracts treated is a big step towards improving your quality of life. Picking the most experienced Orange County surgeon and selecting the correct intraocular lens can significantly boost the chances of a positive result of your surgery. The path from blurred vision to clear sight is shorter and easier than you think!
