The surgical operation that involves removing the eye lens and replacing it with that which is artificial is known as cataract surgery. It is used for treatment of lenses that get clouded and make it difficult for the individual to see clearly. The specialist that performs the operation is called an ophthalmologist. It is an outpatient procedure and thus patients will not have to stay in hospital for long; they are treated and released on the same day. In consideration of cataract surgery San Antonio residents have various details to learn.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Some itching is likely to be experienced for some time during the first few days. Individuals are discouraged from rubbing the eyes at such times. For better protection, protective shields and eye patches are recommended.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Some itching is likely to be experienced for some time during the first few days. Individuals are discouraged from rubbing the eyes at such times. For better protection, protective shields and eye patches are recommended.