The thought of losing your vision can be very concerning. Even with healthy eyes, many factors and causes cause vision issues. Although most symptoms go away on their own, other vision issues require medical or surgical intervention to reverse or cure, and some may cause complete vision loss if left untreated.

Cataracts are a condition of the eye that, although not an emergency, does require treatment by an ophthalmologist to restore lost vision. They are more common in older adults and occur when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy and distorts or blurs your sight. Some contacts or glasses may help, but cataracts generally worsen over time.

Cataract surgery is a common surgery that almost 80% of adults will undergo and a relatively straightforward procedure that takes about 30 minutes per eye. Although how commonly it is performed has increased its safety and effectiveness, there are still a few things to remember during your recovery to give the best chance of achieving the best result.

Since cataract surgery replaces the clouded or damaged lens with an artificial one, it is important to allow the body to accept the lens and begin the healing process before stressing the eye or the muscles attached to the lens. To help with this, you will likely need to wear an eye shield for the first day after surgery and while you sleep for a few weeks.

During this time, it is also essential to apply any medicated eye drops prescribed to you at the frequency of the dosage. This will help give your eyes every advantage to accept the artificial lens and speed recovery.

If you usually wear contacts or glasses, you will likely need to refrain from using them until your eyes are fully healed. In most cases, a new lens prescription will be required.

If you have cloudy vision or any other issues with your eyes or eyesight, call Maehara Eye Surgery and Laser in Honolulu, HI, at 808-955-3937 or visit www.maeharaeyes.com to schedule an exam today.