As with any surgical procedure, cataract surgery carries some risk. Before undergoing your Charleston, SC cataract surgery, let Dr. Waring know of any medical conditions you have or medications or supplements you currently take. Certain medical conditions may inhibit the healing process or lead to complications. At the Waring Vision Institute, we use the most advanced surgical treatments and technology, and clients come to us from our local area, and afar for cataract surgery.
Your incisions “self-heal” over the following days and weeks. Immediately after surgery, your vision will be distorted, as your eye has been numbed with medication. As the medication wears off, your vision restores. Our surgeon will provide you with full aftercare instructions, including the use of prescribed eye drops to aid in the healing process. Always follow aftercare instruction carefully and correctly. You will have a follow-up appointment to ensure healing is progressing as it should.
An itching sensation or mild discomfort are common side effects, and typically subside within a few days. The eye will take up to two months to completely heal, and cataract surgery is performed on one eye at a time, with the other eye treated once the first one has healed. Throughout the healing process you should avoid rubbing your eyes or applying pressure in the eye area. Some clients may wear glasses during the day and a sleeping mask at night to protect their eyes from any accidental bumps or scratches. Do not get water or soap in your eyes, engage in any strenuous activity, or go anywhere with excess dust, mold, mildew or other contaminants that could irritate the eye. Overall the procedure and recovery are painless and, thanks to the replacement lenses, you can rest assured that the cataracts will never return, and your vision will be clear and sharp. A secondary healing film called a posterior capsular opacification may occur as part of the natural healing process of the lens implant and can be readily polished in the office with a laser. This polishing procedure typically is only needed once, if at all, after a cataract procedure.