Cataract Surgery (one eye)

Yes, the chances of having cataract operation are higher among patients over age 50. Nearly all individuals above the age of 75 will require to do this surgery. However, congenital cataracts are a rare but possible case among infants. Congenital cataracts are more frequent among infants of mothers who had chickenpox or other infectious diseases during their pregnancy. Congenital cataracts can also be inherited.

Yes, typically, you are awake during cataract operation. If the idea of being awake during cataract operation concerns you, fear not — you will be given oral medication before cataract procedure so you are fully relaxed and feel no discomfort.

This happens when the lens capsule, the membrane that wasn't eradicated during surgery and supports the lens implant, becomes cloudy and impairs your vision. Another term for this condition is PCO (posterior capsular opacification). A secondary cataract can develop months or years after cataract surgery.

You can wash or shower your hair the day after the operation. Keep water, shampoo, soap, hair spray, and shaving lotion out of your eye, specially for the first week. Do not rub or put pressure on your eye for at least one week. Do not wear eye makeup for 1 to 2 weeks.

Immediately following the cataract procedure, it is, in fact, normal to have blurry vision. Within 48 hours, many cataracts candidates see a significant enhancement in their vision. It is possible that your vision could take one to two weeks to adjust and settle.