Although it usually only takes a few days to recover from cataract surgery, and most people can go home on the same day, there are ways in which you can ensure an even faster and more effective recovery time.
Vision Correction Surgery (LASIK)- Should You Consider it?
LASIK, which stands for Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, is an excellent alternative for contact lenses and glasses. This type of eye surgery is used to fix vision problems caused by refractive errors, such as astigmatism, nearsightedness, and farsightedness.
During LASIK, your surgeon will use a highly specialized instrument called excimer or microkeratome laser to reshape your cornea gently. Although you’ll be awake throughout the process, LASIK is not painful. The surgeon will use topical anesthetic drops to numb the eye, and you may also offer you a mild oral sedative like valium if you’re nervous.
Advantages of LASIK Eye Surgery
- High success rate- it’s estimated that over 90% of LASIK patients achieve 20/20 vision or even higher.
- LASIK is an outpatient procedure- the surgery lasts roughly 30 minutes. Most patients can drive home afterward and return to work in around two days.
- There’s almost no pain involved.
- The procedure does not involve stitches or bandages.
Disadvantages of LASIK
- It’s not for everyone- although LASIK is approved for anyone above 18 years, the best candidates are those in the 18-40 age bracket. Also, you may be disqualified for LASIK if you have unstable vision, unresolved eyesight problems from previous surgeries and health disorders that may affect recovery time, such as AIDS and diabetes.
- It’s expensive- on average, LASIK costs around $3000 per eye
SMILE
While LASIK is a widely popular vision correction procedure, another advanced option is SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction). Similar to LASIK, SMILE is a bladeless, minimally invasive procedure that reshapes the cornea to correct refractive errors.
During the SMILE procedure, a femtosecond laser creates a thin, disc-shaped lenticule within the cornea, which is then removed through a small incision. This process adjusts the curvature of the cornea, improving vision. Thanks to the straightforward nature of the procedure, you can easily consider getting SMILE during the Summer or whenever is most convenient for you.
Budget
Vision correction using contact lenses, glasses, LASIK, or SMILE is not cheap. That being said, it’s obvious to ask whether your healthcare insurance provider will cover the cost.
The good news is that most health insurance plans will cover your eye exam costs, lenses and glasses. But note that most providers have limits on how much they will pay. Also, depending on your plan, your insurer may limit you to a new pair of glasses every two years. For those reasons, it’s essential to contact your provider before buying contact lenses or prescription glasses online.
It’s a different case for LASIK, though. Because most health insurers consider it an elective procedure (meaning not medically necessary), it may be a challenge to get them to cover the cost.
From ensuring you use your prescribed eyedrops to managing any pain to wearing an eye shield, keep reading to discover the top five cataract surgery recovery tips.
Plus, find out what activities you must avoid after cataract surgery.
1. Use your eyedrops
You should be given antibiotic eyedrops after cataract surgery to prevent infection, as well as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug to reduce and eliminate inflammation. Make sure you take these as instructed as a failure to do so can significantly lengthen your recovery time and lead to a whole host of eye problems.
How to apply your eyedrops?
If you aren’t sure how to apply your eyedrops, simply follow the below steps:
- Thoroughly wash your hands
- Slightly tilt back your head
- Look up at the ceiling
- Gently pull down your lower eyelid
- Squeeze the bottle until the drop goes directly into your eye
- Close your eye and wipe away any excess liquid
- Do not let the eyedrop bottle touch your eye
If you are not able to apply your eyedrops yourself, you can ask someone to do this for you, but it can be a good idea for them to wear gloves to prevent the spread of infection.
2. Go slow for a few days
Although you may be excited to see the after-effects of cataract surgery, especially if you have chosen the innovative PanOptix lens, it is vital that you take it easy for the first few days after your surgery.
Book a few days off work and if possible, ask a family member or friend to help care for you.
3. Wear your eye shield
You will most likely be advised to wear your eye shield for the first 24 hours after your cataract surgery. However, it’s also a good idea to wear your shield at night for the first 7 seven days to ensure your eyes are protected while you sleep.
4. Take painkillers when needed
If you do not like the thought of taking pain medication, you should know that being in pain can impede your recovery time. Therefore, you should take your prescribed pain medication as and when needed.
5. Clean your eye regularly
During the first two weeks, you need to wash your eye twice a day because your prescribed eye drops combined with the natural healing process can cause stickiness. Always boil the water first, before allowing it to cool and then gently wiping your eye.
What NOT to do after cataract surgery
- Do not go swimming for 4-6 weeks
- Do not rub your eye
- Do not allow shampoo or soap to get into your eye (although you can shower or bath as normal)
- Do not drive until you are given the all-clear by your doctor or surgeon
- Do not participate in strenuous exercise
- Do not wear any form of eye makeup for four weeks
