Cataract Surgery- Both Eyes at Once or One at a time?
Cataract surgery is one of the foremost common procedures performed. As the aging advances, there is a risk of developing cataracts in one or both eyes. The procedure for getting it treated is very simple and effective. The recovery period is also relatively short and pain-free.
Because of this, most patients who undergo cataract surgery for one eye would opt immediately for the surgery in the second eye as well.
Cataract surgery for the second eye aids in improving the overall quality of life. The patients who have undergone cataract surgery in one eye will have more load on the operated eye so there is definitely a requirement of surgery in the other eye.
Patients with high myopia or hypermetropia will not be able to tolerate glasses in the other eye. As patients with such problems tend to be visually unbalanced after the first surgery.
There can be several other issues that might accompany. After the surgery, these patients can no longer wear their old glasses. In case the lens is removed from their glasses, patients might experience dizziness.
The patients might also experience difficulty in binocular vision or some of them may even experience double vision.
To tend to such concerns, second eye surgery is important. This improves the general vision, driving abilities, mental agility, near activity and reduces dependence on others.
Immediate cataract surgery is advisable in case, the patient is using high power glasses or lenses or the family members are having difficulty in taking out time for second surgery and post-operative care.
One of the most commonly asked questions is regarding the minimum time gap between the cataract surgeries of both eyes.
Although, it is a good idea to get the second cataract surgery done as soon as the first one is done, there are few risk factors that cannot be ruled out.
There is still a risk of serious complications and risk of eye infection. In order to keep a safety buffer and to avoid such unwanted complications, it is best to conduct a second-eye cataract keeping some margin.
The time gap between both the surgeries depends on the condition of the individual patient and the doctor. Normally the time gap that is suggested is 4 to 5 days, again this may vary from patient to patient.
Other than this, there are few other benefits of getting the second eye operated for surgery on a separate day. This also allows the eye doctor to evaluate the outcomes of the first surgery.
In case, there are any other advancements or choices to be made for the second surgery, the same can be done for the second surgery.
It is highly advisable to get the second eye operated for cataract if the patient has to lead a life without being dependent on others.
At MM Chokshi Eye Hospital, we have a team of eye doctors and eye surgeons who are well-equipped and experienced to guide you with eye-related problems.
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