Cataract is one of the commonest causes of blindness worldwide. The hallmark feature of this condition is clouding of the eye lens. This may occur naturally as an effect of aging but some cases tend to occur before birth due to chemical or physical injuries. Fortunately the condition can be managed through surgery. There are a number of things on cataract surgery orange county residents need to be aware of if planning to have the procedure.
Most eye surgeons use a technique known as phacoemulsification. Local anesthesia is first applied to the eye to reduce the sensitivity that is associated with the procedure. Next, a small surgical incision is used to open the cornea (directly in front of the lens). The lens is often broken down into smaller pieces to make its removal easier. The adoption of laser techniques for this procedure has not only improved outcomes but has also significantly reduced the recovery times.
There are two main options of dealing with a lens that has been affected by cataract. The first option is to clean it and return it back to its position. When this is done, there is no need for prescription glasses. The second is to replace the lens with an artificial one made of materials such as acrylic, plastic and silicone. This procedure is also called intraocular lens implantation.
While close to 98% of surgeries are safe there are a number of risks that you need to be aware of. Those that are likely to be encountered in the short term include infection, swelling and bleeding among others. The risk of complications is higher if there is a preexisting eye disease. It is important that one is fully evaluated before the operation to rule any of these conditions.
The operation typically takes forty five minutes to one hour. In case both eyes are affected, the two operations are scheduled a few weeks apart. This ensures that you have at least one functional eye at a given point in time. It is important to note that not all forms of cataract are subjected to surgery. The main determinant of whether surgery is needed is the degree to which the quality of life has been affected.
There is marked improvement as soon as you start using the eye. One of the major benefits that you will realize is the fact that it becomes easier to perceive bright light and brightly colored objects. Maximal benefits are usually realized after one to two months. Prescription glasses may be needed in some cases. Such a need would arise due to the inability of artificial lenses to adjust with shifting focus.
Immediately after the operation one may experience a bit of irritation but this resolves spontaneously within a few hours. At times, your doctor may prescribe some over the counter analgesic agents such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen for a few days. Some people also complain of increased sensitivity to light especially during the first few days after the operation. Wearing dark glasses will be helpful in such situations.
One of the most serious long term complications is a condition known as posterior capsule opacification (PCO). This occurs when cloudiness recurs in the back of the lens and impairs vision in the same manner as the original problem. Corrective surgery known as capsulotomy can be done in the outpatient in about five minutes using laser. Other long term complications include increased pressure within the eye and retinal detachment.
Most eye surgeons use a technique known as phacoemulsification. Local anesthesia is first applied to the eye to reduce the sensitivity that is associated with the procedure. Next, a small surgical incision is used to open the cornea (directly in front of the lens). The lens is often broken down into smaller pieces to make its removal easier. The adoption of laser techniques for this procedure has not only improved outcomes but has also significantly reduced the recovery times.
There are two main options of dealing with a lens that has been affected by cataract. The first option is to clean it and return it back to its position. When this is done, there is no need for prescription glasses. The second is to replace the lens with an artificial one made of materials such as acrylic, plastic and silicone. This procedure is also called intraocular lens implantation.
While close to 98% of surgeries are safe there are a number of risks that you need to be aware of. Those that are likely to be encountered in the short term include infection, swelling and bleeding among others. The risk of complications is higher if there is a preexisting eye disease. It is important that one is fully evaluated before the operation to rule any of these conditions.
The operation typically takes forty five minutes to one hour. In case both eyes are affected, the two operations are scheduled a few weeks apart. This ensures that you have at least one functional eye at a given point in time. It is important to note that not all forms of cataract are subjected to surgery. The main determinant of whether surgery is needed is the degree to which the quality of life has been affected.
There is marked improvement as soon as you start using the eye. One of the major benefits that you will realize is the fact that it becomes easier to perceive bright light and brightly colored objects. Maximal benefits are usually realized after one to two months. Prescription glasses may be needed in some cases. Such a need would arise due to the inability of artificial lenses to adjust with shifting focus.
Immediately after the operation one may experience a bit of irritation but this resolves spontaneously within a few hours. At times, your doctor may prescribe some over the counter analgesic agents such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen for a few days. Some people also complain of increased sensitivity to light especially during the first few days after the operation. Wearing dark glasses will be helpful in such situations.
One of the most serious long term complications is a condition known as posterior capsule opacification (PCO). This occurs when cloudiness recurs in the back of the lens and impairs vision in the same manner as the original problem. Corrective surgery known as capsulotomy can be done in the outpatient in about five minutes using laser. Other long term complications include increased pressure within the eye and retinal detachment.
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