Cataracts are characterized by cloudiness of the eye lens that subsequently leads to visual impairment. The condition may be seen with advancing age or in young children due to congenital causes. Operations to correct this defect are very common all over the world. There are a number of things relating to cataract surgery San Antonio residents need to know if they consider undergoing this operation.
The decision to undergo the operation is mainly determined by the extent of the problem. Slight cloudiness that does not significantly affect vision does not necessarily require an operation. Inability to carry out daily tasks such as driving and reading is the main reason as to why people choose to have surgical intervention.
Before the operation, your surgeon will have to examine you to determine whether you are fit to undergo the operation. The evaluation is meant to confirm that one is indeed suffering from cataract and it is the cause or the main cause of their visual impairment. The pressure of the eye is measured and if abnormal (as in the case of glaucoma), drugs are administered to normalize it.
The operation itself is considered a day procedure that takes between 30 and 45 minutes. Local anesthesia is used and you will remain conscious as it is carried out. The surgeon makes a small incision on the eye to access the lens. The defected lens is removed and replaced with an artificial one made of plastic. In the event that both eyes are effected, the two operations are scheduled a few weeks apart.
There are a number of risks associated with this type of surgery. A condition known as posterior capsule opacification, PCO, may cause a recurrence of the cloudiness. This comes about when a membrane grows on the back of the implanted lens (usually within months or a few years). The treatment for this complication is laser eye surgery. Other complications that may be encountered include infection, bleeding and tearing of the capsule that holds the lens in place.
You will need some eye drops as you go home. These drops contain antibiotics and steroids that will help reduce inflammation and to prevent infections. You will need them for a few days but they are most important in the first two to three days. Ensure that the operated eye does not come into contact with soap or water for a period of three weeks.
A number of benefits will be realized after the operation. In general, there is a huge improvement in vision. Although glasses are needed for most people that have the artificial lens, their focus becomes a lot better. It becomes easier to look at light directly and to see bright objects. It has also been established that color differentiation also improves a great deal.
It is not possible to restore vision fully using any of the available modalities of treatment. Cataract surgery is what comes closest of all the options that are available. This operation, which is done in under one hour in most cases, enjoys very high success rates and has very few complications that can be easily managed.
The decision to undergo the operation is mainly determined by the extent of the problem. Slight cloudiness that does not significantly affect vision does not necessarily require an operation. Inability to carry out daily tasks such as driving and reading is the main reason as to why people choose to have surgical intervention.
Before the operation, your surgeon will have to examine you to determine whether you are fit to undergo the operation. The evaluation is meant to confirm that one is indeed suffering from cataract and it is the cause or the main cause of their visual impairment. The pressure of the eye is measured and if abnormal (as in the case of glaucoma), drugs are administered to normalize it.
The operation itself is considered a day procedure that takes between 30 and 45 minutes. Local anesthesia is used and you will remain conscious as it is carried out. The surgeon makes a small incision on the eye to access the lens. The defected lens is removed and replaced with an artificial one made of plastic. In the event that both eyes are effected, the two operations are scheduled a few weeks apart.
There are a number of risks associated with this type of surgery. A condition known as posterior capsule opacification, PCO, may cause a recurrence of the cloudiness. This comes about when a membrane grows on the back of the implanted lens (usually within months or a few years). The treatment for this complication is laser eye surgery. Other complications that may be encountered include infection, bleeding and tearing of the capsule that holds the lens in place.
You will need some eye drops as you go home. These drops contain antibiotics and steroids that will help reduce inflammation and to prevent infections. You will need them for a few days but they are most important in the first two to three days. Ensure that the operated eye does not come into contact with soap or water for a period of three weeks.
A number of benefits will be realized after the operation. In general, there is a huge improvement in vision. Although glasses are needed for most people that have the artificial lens, their focus becomes a lot better. It becomes easier to look at light directly and to see bright objects. It has also been established that color differentiation also improves a great deal.
It is not possible to restore vision fully using any of the available modalities of treatment. Cataract surgery is what comes closest of all the options that are available. This operation, which is done in under one hour in most cases, enjoys very high success rates and has very few complications that can be easily managed.
About the Author:
If you need to have cataract surgery San Antonio eye specialist is the best person to speak with. Come and arrange for an appointment online via http://www.saeye.com.
