Even though the recovery time after cataract surgery is usually just two or three days, it might be a good idea to have some short-term help. Cataracts are the result of natural proteins that build up on the eye’s lens over time. The clouded lens allows less light to pass through the eye and vision is blurred.
Pam Lewis, Cherry Village Benevolence administrator, wanted to share information about recovery after a cataract surgery during June, which is Cataract Awareness Month. Lewis is a registered nurse.
“If you live by yourself, it may be difficult to follow the doctor’s instructions,” Lewis commented. “Since it is recommended you don’t lift and bend over, you might need help fixing a meal, getting dressed and bathing. You may also need help with eye drops.”
Cherry Village, a short and long-term-care facility, 1401 Cherry Lane, welcomes those who need a helping hand at a time like this.
“We offer supportive care until the patient is comfortable enough to go home,” Lewis said.
She also noted the importance of regular vision checks by eye-care professionals.
“For example,” Lewis recalled, “we were welcoming a new resident and learned she was legally blind. We then learned she hadn’t had a vision test in quite some time.
“We took her to an ophthalmologist who quickly diagnosed cataracts in both eyes. Cataract surgery solved the problem and now she can see her grandkids.”
During a cataract procedure, a surgeon removes the deteriorated lens and replaces it with an artificial one. Lewis noted the surgery is safe and takes less than 30 minutes.
“I encourage people with questions about cataracts to contact their eye doctor; they can prevent this from going too far,” Lewis said.
Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss in the United States. There are 24 million Americans over age 40 who are affected.