Important Announcement: We've partnered with ReFocus Eye Health to best focus on providing the best patient care possible. Of course, our doctors and staff will remain the same but our name, logo, and website will be updated as we integrate with the ReFocus family of eye clinics. This will not affect your appointments or your patient experience in the least. 

Important Annoucement: Our Blue Bell clinic is now closed. All patients from that office will be seen at our state-of-the-art North Wales location, where they can expect the same caliber of exceptional eye care and patient experience. This location is only 6 miles away and has ample parking.

Side Effects of Cataract Surgery

Cataracts are a common eye condition that develop as a person ages. By the time a person reaches his or her 60s, there is about a 50 percent chance of having a cataract in one or both eyes. Cataracts blur the vision, make it more difficult to see at night, and diminish the vibrancy of colors. While cataracts can be controlled in their beginning stages, so that vision can be preserved, most patients will eventually need cataract surgery.

During cataract surgery, the natural lens of the eye is replaced with an intraocular lens that functions as a permanent contact lens. The results of cataract surgery are highly successful, but it will take some time to recover from the procedure. Our experienced eye doctors discuss cataract surgery side effects that our Philadelphia, PA patients should expect after treatment at Ophthalmology Physicians and Surgeons, PC.

What Are Cataracts?

Cataracts are a collection of broken proteins that collect on the lens of the eye. As proteins group together, they gradually block the lens of the eye, creating a cloudy formation. For the eye to process images properly, light needs to pass through the lens of the eyes where it can reach the retina (the thin layer of nerves at the back of the eye). If a cataract blocks the lens, the light cannot reach the retina, and the vision will suffer. The side effects of cataracts will only worsen as the cataract grows larger. Without treatment, cataracts could eventually cause blindness.

The only effective way to treat cataracts for good is through cataract surgery. During this procedure, the natural lens of the eye is removed. Our doctors will place an artificial lens, or an intraocular lens, over the eye. The intraocular lens is a prescription lens that sits permanently over the eye and allows the patient to enjoy clear, crisp vision.

Cataract Surgery Side Effects

Just like with any other surgical procedure, cataract surgery will result in some side effects. These side effects are usually mild and should not last more than a week or two. Still, it is a good idea for patients to be prepared for the symptoms they may experience in the days following cataract surgery. The most common side effects of cataract surgery include:

Each of these side effects should resolve with time. However, if side effects persist, or if any unusual symptoms develop, it should be reported to our doctors as soon as possible so that any potential complications, such as an infection, can be ruled out.

Contact Us

If you have noticed a change in your vision, it is important to schedule an eye exam so that any eye condition can be diagnosed and treated. Contact us at your earliest convenience to learn more about the comprehensive range of eye care services available at Ophthalmology Physicians and Surgeons, PC.

Author
Francis Clark, MD

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