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 cloudiness causes vision to be blurry and there is also an increase in glare from light. The surgical operation is recommended by the doctor when the cloudiness intensifies and makes those involved not to be able to perform their daily chores. Surgery will also be a necessity when the cataracts interfere with treatment of other eye conditions. An example is when they make it hard for the ophthalmologist to examine the back part of the eye.
Generally, if one decides to postpone the surgical operation for a while, there will not be any problem. This gives individuals time to consider any other options that may be available. When making the decision, there are important factors that have to be considered. The individual should consider if they can safely do their job, if they have problems reading or watching TV, whether or not they can clearly see faces and whether bright light affects 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.
Some preparation is required prior to the procedure. During the one week before treatment, ultrasound tests will be carried out on the eye. This is done to measure its size and shape and thus help in establishing the lens implant type to be used. The doctor may also instruct the patient to stop taking medications that may have a negative effect on treatment. Any risks of infection are minimized through the use of eye drops. There are instances in which patients are instructed not to drink anything for the 12 hours before treatment.
The entire treatment is finished within one hour or two. The pupil needs to be dilated before treatment, which is done by application of eye drops. Local anesthesia is used to numb the area around the eye. For purposes of relaxation, sedatives are administered.
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.
The individual should expect some itching for a few days during recovery. Doctors normally advice patients that they should not rub their eyes whenever they itch. Eye patches and protective shields are likely to be required for some time after surgery.
The cloudiness causes vision to be blurry and there is also an increase in glare from light. The surgical operation is recommended by the doctor when the cloudiness intensifies and makes those involved not to be able to perform their daily chores. Surgery will also be a necessity when the cataracts interfere with treatment of other eye conditions. An example is when they make it hard for the ophthalmologist to examine the back part of the eye.
Generally, if one decides to postpone the surgical operation for a while, there will not be any problem. This gives individuals time to consider any other options that may be available. When making the decision, there are important factors that have to be considered. The individual should consider if they can safely do their job, if they have problems reading or watching TV, whether or not they can clearly see faces and whether bright light affects 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.
Some preparation is required prior to the procedure. During the one week before treatment, ultrasound tests will be carried out on the eye. This is done to measure its size and shape and thus help in establishing the lens implant type to be used. The doctor may also instruct the patient to stop taking medications that may have a negative effect on treatment. Any risks of infection are minimized through the use of eye drops. There are instances in which patients are instructed not to drink anything for the 12 hours before treatment.
The entire treatment is finished within one hour or two. The pupil needs to be dilated before treatment, which is done by application of eye drops. Local anesthesia is used to numb the area around the eye. For purposes of relaxation, sedatives are administered.
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.
The individual should expect some itching for a few days during recovery. Doctors normally advice patients that they should not rub their eyes whenever they itch. Eye patches and protective shields are likely to be required for some time after surgery.
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