Frequently Asked Questions

What is Eye Surgery?

Eye Surgery is also known as Ocular surgery. Eye surgery is a surgical procedure that involves the correction of the lens, muscles surrounding it, or the eyelids, etc. There are different types of eye surgeries and they are:

1. Cataract surgery
2. Laser eye surgery
3. Eye muscle surgery
4. Glaucoma surgery
5. Corneal surgery
6. Vitreo-retinal surgery
7. Oculoplastic surgery

What are the advantages of Eye Surgery?

The following are the advantages of eye surgery:

1. The quality of your life increases due to the better vision.
2. There is no need to wear contact lenses and thus the infections acquired due to contact lenses can be avoided.
3. Most of these eye surgeries are safe and at the same time effective.
4. They are less painful and the recovery time is very less.

What are the indications of Eye Surgery?

1. Myopia [Visual condition where an individual can see the near objects clearly than the objects far away from the eye].
2. Hyperopia [Visual condition where an individual can see far objects clearly and the nearby objects appear blurry].
3. Astigmatism [blurred vision due to irregular curvature of the lens in the eyes].

What is the preparation for Eye Surgery?

Following steps are required for an individual for preparation of Eye surgery:

1. Discuss with your Surgeon regarding all the benefits, risks, and complications associated with Eye surgery.
2. If you are using any soft contact lenses then they must be removed at least a week prior to the surgery for the measurement of the intraocular lens and power calculation.
3. Avoid having food for at least 6 hours before the surgery. This way the risk of inhaling stomach contents into the lungs will be reduced.
4. Also, avoid applying any creams or makeup on the day of surgery. 
5. Take all the medications as instructed by your doctor.
6. Don't read, write, or use a mobile phone or computer for about 30 minutes prior to the test.

What is the postprocedure care/recovery care for Eye Surgery?

The following are the post-care steps to be followed after Eye surgery:

1. Do not let soap come into contact with your eyes.
2. Do not use lotions, creams, make-up, etc around the operated area.
3. Avoid going for a swim after the surgery at least for a week.
4. Do not lift weights or play sports like tennis and racquetball for the next one week after the surgery.
5. Avoid going to crowded places and dusty areas to reduce complications after the surgery.
6. Use sunglasses if you go out. This may protect you from direct sunlight and sensitivity to light.
7. Follow all the instructions given by your doctor.
8. There should be follow-up visits to your doctor after this surgery after two days, the following week, and then again after a month to monitor the eye.

Who can perform Eye Surgery [Right specialist type for Eye Surgery]?

Eye surgery can be performed by a certified and skilled Ophthalmologist who is well experienced in performing Eye surgery. 

Is Eye Surgery a major surgery or minor surgery?

The major or minor surgery depends on the type of eye surgery. Most of the eye surgeries are considered as minor surgeries.

What is the eligibility criteria for Eye Surgery?

Following individuals are eligible candidates for Eye surgery:

1. Individuals who are above 18 years with eyesight difficulties.
2. The cornea of the eye must have sufficient thickness.
3. Pupil of the eye must not be dilated.
4. Individuals who do not want to wear a contact lens or eyeglasses.

What is the ineligibility criteria for Eye Surgery?

Following individuals are ineligible candidates for Eye surgery:

1. Individuals below 18 years old [Depends on the severity of the eyesight].
2. Pregnant women
3. Individuals with poor health or immune system.
4. Individuals with a change in eye vision over a year.

What are the risks and complications associated with  Eye Surgery? 

The following are the risks and complications involved in Eye Surgery:

1. Bleeding
2. Infection
3. Inflammation
4. Dislocation of the artificial lens
5. Swelling
6. Drooping eyelid
7. Retinal detachment
8. Secondary cataract
9. Glaucoma
10. Loss of vision

How long does it take to complete Eye Surgery?

The duration of the surgery depends on the type of eye surgery that you are undergoing. It may vary according to the following factors:

1. Type of correction your surgeon is making
2. Type of laser treatment
3. Insertion of the artificial lens, etc.

What is the recovery time?

You may be discharged just within 30 minutes to 1 hour after the surgery. A protective shield is given to you and use it as instructed by your doctor. This may be removed later after few hours from the surgery.  The recovery time also varies according to the type of eye surgery. 

What is the success rate of Eye Surgery?

The success rate of eye surgeries depends on the type of surgery you are undergoing. Most of the eye surgeries have high success rates with fewer complications.

Is Eye Surgery painful? 

Every surgery comes with a certain level of pain and some discomfort. You won't be experiencing pain during this process because you will be under anesthesia. There may be some discomfort after the procedure.

Is Eye Surgery Permanent? 

Usually, eye surgery is a permanent procedure that helps in improving eye vision. However, in few cases due to changes in the eye lens, vision problems may reappear and can lead to blurred vision. 

What are the long-term results of Eye Surgery?

Long term outcomes of eye surgery are: 

1. Improve eye vision and has a lasting impact.
2. Permanently corrects astigmatism, near-sightedness, and farsightedness.
3. Change in the cornea of the eye.
4. May cause blurred vision.

Can Eye Surgery be detected in the future? 

Few types of eye surgeries can be detected in the future, for e.g. LASIK can be detected in the future as the cornea becomes thin. 

What are the options if Eye Surgery fails or not successful?

The following are the options if the Eye surgery fails or not successful:

1. Retreatment with medications and diet.
2. Reuse of contact lens or eyeglasses.

What are the alternatives for Eye Surgery?

The following are the alternatives for Eye surgery:

1. LASEK
2. Phakic 
3. Intraocular lens implants
4. Epi-LASIK
5. Refractive lens
6. Conductive keratoplasty