Cataracts are a common condition that affects people as they age. They are a clouding of the eye's lens, which can lead to blurred vision, difficulty seeing at night, and other vision problems. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cataracts, you may have questions about the treatment process. Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed procedures in the world. It is highly effective at restoring vision blurred by the presence of cataracts. Here's what you need to know about cataract surgery.

Safe and Effective

Cataract surgery is remarkably safe and effective, with a 99 percent success rate. In fact, it is so safe that, in many cases, your eye doctor can often treat both eyes during the same operation. Thankfully, you will only need one cataract surgery because cataracts cannot grow back as the lens is removed during surgery.

Short Recovery 

Most people who have cataract surgery are able to go home the same day as their procedure. Unlike other types of surgery, there is no need for an overnight hospital stay. Within a day or two of surgery, most people are able to resume their normal activities.

As part of your after-care program, you will need to use eye drops for several weeks to help reduce inflammation and prevent infection. Your eye doctor will let you know how many times per day you need to use the drops and for how long. Additionally, while your eyes recover, you will be required to wear special sunglasses or eye patches to protect your eyes from bright light.

Fluctuations in Vision

It is not uncommon for people to experience some fluctuations in their vision in the days and weeks after surgery. This is a normal part of the healing process, not a cause for alarm. Your vision should gradually improve as your eye heals. It should be noted that while cataract surgery improves the cloudiness that a patient has been experiencing, it does not change your visual acuity or how well you see, as Lasik eye surgery does.

Follow-Up Appointments

While cataracts do not grow back, you will still need to see your eye doctor for follow-up appointments so they can monitor your healing process and make sure that your vision is improving as expected. These appointments are typically scheduled multiple times in the weeks and months post-surgery.

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with cataracts, there is no need to panic. Cataract surgery is a highly effective treatment with a very short recovery period. Be sure to follow your eye surgeon's instructions so that you can heal properly and enjoy restored vision for years to come.