Cataracts are a leading cause of partial blindness all over the world. The condition which may be the result of congenital causes or aging is due to progressive cloudiness of the eye lens. Hundreds of thousands of operations to treat this problem are performed throughout the world every year. There are a number of important facts on cataract surgery San Antonio residents need to know if they intend on having the operation.
It is important to point out that not all cases of cataract require to be operated on. If the condition only impairs vision slightly (especially among the elderly), there is no point of having the surgery. However, if one has significant difficulty doing their daily activities such as reading, driving and finding their way while walking then surgery is likely to be helpful.
Part of the preparation for surgery is a thorough evaluation by the surgeon. The aim of this evaluation is to determine the extent of visual impairment and to ascertain that the cause (or main cause) is cataract. The other role of this exercise is to find out if the patient is a suitable candidate for the operation. Any eye conditions that may reduce the chance of success are managed at this point. Glaucoma in particular has the potential to lead to complications if not treated first.
This operation is fairly straightforward. It is usually completed within 45 minutes in most cases. Since it is a day case, you will be discharged home on the same day. Local anesthesia is usually administered to help mask the pain and to reduce sensitivity. A small incision is made on the front part of the eyeball so as to access the lens which is subsequently removed and replaced with an artificial one. If both eyes are to be operated, the operations are done 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.
When you are discharged to go home, you will be given some antibiotics and steroids as eye drops. These are important in reducing inflammation and preventing infections ensure that you use them as prescribed especially during the first two to three days. Ensure that you do not rub the operated eye or wash with water or soap for a period of three weeks.
There are several benefits realized after the operation. Generally, vision is improved greatly in spite of the fact that glasses are often needed. The initial days may be a bit hazy but progressive improvement is seen with time. Focus becomes a lot better and patients are comfortable looking into light and identifying bright objects. Another benefit is the ability to differentiate colors with ease.
There is no form of surgery that can completely restore vision. With careful evaluation of candidates and proper postoperative care, this operation restores hope. This is often the case for persons that are almost fully blind due to a defect in their eye lens. Replacing this lens is all it takes to give them the power to see again. The good news is that complications are few, rare and largely manageable.
It is important to point out that not all cases of cataract require to be operated on. If the condition only impairs vision slightly (especially among the elderly), there is no point of having the surgery. However, if one has significant difficulty doing their daily activities such as reading, driving and finding their way while walking then surgery is likely to be helpful.
Part of the preparation for surgery is a thorough evaluation by the surgeon. The aim of this evaluation is to determine the extent of visual impairment and to ascertain that the cause (or main cause) is cataract. The other role of this exercise is to find out if the patient is a suitable candidate for the operation. Any eye conditions that may reduce the chance of success are managed at this point. Glaucoma in particular has the potential to lead to complications if not treated first.
This operation is fairly straightforward. It is usually completed within 45 minutes in most cases. Since it is a day case, you will be discharged home on the same day. Local anesthesia is usually administered to help mask the pain and to reduce sensitivity. A small incision is made on the front part of the eyeball so as to access the lens which is subsequently removed and replaced with an artificial one. If both eyes are to be operated, the operations are done 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.
When you are discharged to go home, you will be given some antibiotics and steroids as eye drops. These are important in reducing inflammation and preventing infections ensure that you use them as prescribed especially during the first two to three days. Ensure that you do not rub the operated eye or wash with water or soap for a period of three weeks.
There are several benefits realized after the operation. Generally, vision is improved greatly in spite of the fact that glasses are often needed. The initial days may be a bit hazy but progressive improvement is seen with time. Focus becomes a lot better and patients are comfortable looking into light and identifying bright objects. Another benefit is the ability to differentiate colors with ease.
There is no form of surgery that can completely restore vision. With careful evaluation of candidates and proper postoperative care, this operation restores hope. This is often the case for persons that are almost fully blind due to a defect in their eye lens. Replacing this lens is all it takes to give them the power to see again. The good news is that complications are few, rare and largely manageable.
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.
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