Cataract surgery is the procedure whereby there is removal of the lens of the eye, replacing it with an artificial one. It is used in the treatment of clouding that occurs in the eye. This procedure is performed by eye doctors, usually on an outpatient basis, which means one does not have to stay in hospital after the surgical procedure. The entire procedure is safe and is common. When going for cataract surgery San Antonio residents should know what is involved.
The aim is to get rid of cataracts that are the cause of blurry vision in addition to increasing the effects of light on the eyes. Surgery becomes one of the best treatment options when the cataracts hamper their ability to go about daily tasks. In some cases, cataracts interfere with other forms of eye treatment, which will also call for surgery. An example is when they interfere with examination of back parts of the eye.
Any delays in going for the surgical operation will not have any adverse effects. If anything, it offers individuals the chance to consider the other available options and make an informed decision. Some factors will determine the need for surgery; the ability of the individual to comfortably perform tasks, their ability to watch television or read without problems, whether they can see faces of people clearly and the effect that very bright light has on their eyes.
The probability of experiencing complications or risks is low and most individuals undergo the procedures with success. Possible risks include retinal detachment, vision loss, swelling, infection and glaucoma. People suffering from other eye diseases are more at risk of complications. Underlying eye damage or infection will increase the probability of complications and risks.
There are certain preparations before the procedure. One will need to undergo tests one week in advance, notably ultrasound. This is done for measurement of the shape and size of the eye to help in determining type of lens implant to be used. One may also have to stop taking certain medications which may increase risk of bleeding. Eye drops are used in reducing risk of infection. Doctors at times instruct their patients not to drink or eat anything for 12 hours preceding the operation.
Just one hour or two will be required for the entire procedure. The doctor first places eye drops in the eye for dilation of the pupil. The area around the eye is then numbed using local anesthesia and a sedative given for relaxation.
Once anesthesia is used and sedatives administered, the clouded lens is removed and replaced with the clear artificial one. In some cases however, there is no replacement of the clouded lens with the artificial one. After the replacement is done, vision improves within days. One is likely to experience blurry vision during the first few days of recovery, this however improves over time.
It would be normal to experience some itching for some days. The eyes should not be rubbed at such times. Doctors may recommend eye patches or protective shields for patients on the day of surgery and after.
The aim is to get rid of cataracts that are the cause of blurry vision in addition to increasing the effects of light on the eyes. Surgery becomes one of the best treatment options when the cataracts hamper their ability to go about daily tasks. In some cases, cataracts interfere with other forms of eye treatment, which will also call for surgery. An example is when they interfere with examination of back parts of the eye.
Any delays in going for the surgical operation will not have any adverse effects. If anything, it offers individuals the chance to consider the other available options and make an informed decision. Some factors will determine the need for surgery; the ability of the individual to comfortably perform tasks, their ability to watch television or read without problems, whether they can see faces of people clearly and the effect that very bright light has on their eyes.
The probability of experiencing complications or risks is low and most individuals undergo the procedures with success. Possible risks include retinal detachment, vision loss, swelling, infection and glaucoma. People suffering from other eye diseases are more at risk of complications. Underlying eye damage or infection will increase the probability of complications and risks.
There are certain preparations before the procedure. One will need to undergo tests one week in advance, notably ultrasound. This is done for measurement of the shape and size of the eye to help in determining type of lens implant to be used. One may also have to stop taking certain medications which may increase risk of bleeding. Eye drops are used in reducing risk of infection. Doctors at times instruct their patients not to drink or eat anything for 12 hours preceding the operation.
Just one hour or two will be required for the entire procedure. The doctor first places eye drops in the eye for dilation of the pupil. The area around the eye is then numbed using local anesthesia and a sedative given for relaxation.
Once anesthesia is used and sedatives administered, the clouded lens is removed and replaced with the clear artificial one. In some cases however, there is no replacement of the clouded lens with the artificial one. After the replacement is done, vision improves within days. One is likely to experience blurry vision during the first few days of recovery, this however improves over time.
It would be normal to experience some itching for some days. The eyes should not be rubbed at such times. Doctors may recommend eye patches or protective shields for patients on the day of surgery and after.