What to Expect After Cataract Surgery: Side Effects and Timing
When asking about what to expect after cataract surgery, some patients want an explanation of the do’s and don’ts of cataract surgery recovery, while others simply want to know when to expect results.
Improved vision is, after all, the main reason most individuals pursue blade-free or traditional cataract surgery. Cataract surgery is widely regarded as a safe procedure. At the same time, engaged patients like to know about potential cataract surgery side effects and after effects. In this post, we’ll learn what to expect after cataract surgery as it pertains to recovery rates and vision.
If this is your first time researching cataract surgery, then we highly recommend checking out the following blogs in addition to this post.
- What causes cataracts?
- Is cataract surgery safe?
- Blade-free cataract surgery
- Fast-growing cataracts
- Cataract surgery multifocal lens pros and cons
How long does it take for my vision to stabilize after cataract surgery?
Vision after cataract surgery: it’s one of the most frequently discussed aspects of what to expect after cataract surgery. The amount of time it will take for your vision to stabilize is one of the most popular questions about cataracts. The standard answer to this question is 3 – 6 weeks, but any cataract surgeon worth his or her salt will tell you that post-surgery vision stabilization matters on the individual.
Nevertheless, the biggest factor that will determine the length of your vision stabilization time during recovery is the type of intraocular lens (IOL) you choose to have implanted during your cataract surgery.
Typically, patients who opt for Monofocal IOLs (the standard IOL that’s covered by most insurances) can expect a slightly longer time before adjusting to their new vision. This is the case because Monofocal lenses correct only nearsightedness or farsightedness but not both. Patients typically opt to correct for nearsightedness (for seeing far away objects) and then rely on glasses to help them see objects near-at-hand.
What causes cloudiness in the eye after cataract surgery?
Another item in the list of what to expect after cataract surgery is blurred or cloudy vision. Many patients may confuse this as a cataract surgery side effect early in their research. For the most part, blurred vision after cataract surgery refers to vision stabilization, as discussed above. Your eye is still getting accustomed to its new lens. Most patients state that their vision becomes less cloudy only 48 hours post-op. Keep in mind, if you have floaters, they may be more visible now that you are seeing through a clear lens.
What are the side effects of cataract surgery?
Cataract surgery is the world’s most common surgery. It is also one of the safest, with the vast majority of patients seeing (literally) positive outcomes. Outside of initial blurriness and dry eyes, side effects after cataract surgery are infrequent and rarely threatening.
However, cloudiness in the eye after cataract surgery may be indicative of a complication called endophthalmitis. Endophthalmitis is an inflammation of the eye’s interior, caused most frequently by an eye infection. Endophthalmitis is typically treatable with additional surgery and antibiotics.
Finally, some patients may experience posterior capsular opacification (CPO) — clouding of vision — after cataract surgery. This complication is typically treatable with laser surgery.
What to Expect After Cataract Surgery at Eye Center of Texas
Having performed over 80,000 successful cataract surgeries, the surgeons of Eye Center of Texas have transformed the lives of thousands of Houstonians. The most common cataract surgery after effects we’ve seen? Improved vision!
Put your vision in the hands of nationally renowned blade-free cataract surgery surgeons, and call us at 713-797-1010 or request an appointment online today to get started on your journey to better vision.
Related Resources to Cataract Surgery After Effects:
- Cataracts: Laser Surgery vs. Traditional Surgery
- LASIK Recovery Timeline
- Do Floaters Go Away On Their Own?
- The Four Stages of Diabetic Retinopathy
- Is My Vision Too Bad for LASIK?
Testimonials After Cataract Surgery
If you don’t want to take our word, or the word of over 275 Houston eye doctors, we understand! Here’s a recent testimonial from one of our over 80,000 satisfied cataract surgery patients: “I think Dr. Wade did an excellent job on my first cataract surgery. I was able to see clearly almost immediately.” – Janice
Find this and more testimonials about the successful cataract surgery after effects here.
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