Answering Commonly Asked Questions About Eye Surgery
Eye surgery is performed by an eye surgeon, who might be referred to as an ophthalmologist. You may also come by the phrase cataract surgeon; this is an eye surgeon who mainly operates on cataracts. Here are answers to some of the commonly asked questions about eye surgery:
Why Might You Need Eye Surgery?
If you are diagnosed with cataracts, glaucoma, DME (diabetic macular edema), refractive error, etc., you might need eye surgery.
Cataracts
Cataracts mainly result from old age, but eye injuries and hereditary diseases may also be causative factors. They occur when proteins are deposited in your eye lens, making your vision foggy. You need eye surgery performed by a cataract surgeon to switch your natural lenses with artificial lenses.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a disease that results when the cells in your eye are not receiving enough nutrients. Nutrients are transported by blood vessels. When your blood glucose level increases and creates blockages in your eye blood vessels, you are diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy. Your eye cells are starved, and thus start to die. Surgery is needed to unclog the blood vessels.
DME
DME also occurs when you have diabetic retinopathy. However, instead of cells dying, your eye blood vessels tear and start to leak into your eye. An eye surgeon needs to drain the fluid and repair the torn vessels. The surgeon also checks whether some tears have healed on their own to form scars. These scars can cause blindness, especially when they pull your retina out of position. In this case, they need to be surgically removed.
Refractive Errors
A refractive error can cause long or short-sightedness. You may opt for prescription glasses, contact lenses or eye surgery. The latter is for those that want a more permanent solution that does not involve wearing prescription glasses or uncomfortable contact lenses. The surgery aims to reshape the tissue under your cornea.
Is Eye Surgery Painful?
Not really. If you won't have been placed under general anaesthesia, then your eye surgeon will most likely have numbed you, meaning you won't feel a thing. After the surgery, the eye surgeon can prescribe pain meds to help with pain or discomfort management.
How Long Does It Take to Heal from Eye Surgery?
This depends on your condition, but expect to be in recovery between four and eight weeks. Your eye(s) will be covered during this time to prevent infection, discomfort, pain or blindness, especially when exposed to bright light.
For more information about eye surgery, contact an eye surgeon.