Patients who suffer from cataracts have difficulty seeing clearly since the normally clear lens of the eye becomes cloudy, preventing light from entering properly. If not treated, the vision will worsen to the point of blindness. Fortunately this condition can be easily corrected with a straightforward surgical procedure. If they wish to learn more about cataract surgery San Antonio TX patients should visit an opthalmologist.
This type of surgery is performed under local anesthetic, and it involves first making a tiny incision on the side of the cornea, often with a laser. Next, a device which generates ultrasonic vibrations is inserted that will cause the diseased lens to break apart into tiny pieces to the point where it is liquified, these particles are then suctioned out. This process is called "phacoemulsification".
A synthetic lens, known as an "intraocular lens" is implanted in place of the original one. These are designed to direct light onto the retina much like a natural lens does, and are made from clear acrylic, plastic, or silicone. Once installed they are meant to be permanent and don't need any special care to maintain them.
Patients are able to return home an hour or two after the procedure since it is performed on an outpatient basis and generally can be completed in under an hour's time. Most people are awake during the operation but may be given a sedative. The surgeon will only operate on a single eye, so those who require cataract removal in both will need to undergo a second operation several weeks later.
Following the surgery, one can expect to feel some minor irritation, watering of the eye, and increased light sensitivity. Analgesics such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can usually help manage any discomfort, and the use of sunglasses is useful to shield the eyes from the sun when outside. Eye drops will be prescribed to help prevent infection as well. Simply resting for a day or so afterwards is usually all the recovery time it requires.
Improvement of vision should be noted in the patient the day after surgery. In a month's time of so, he or she will be prescribed new glasses and at this point the full extent of the improvement in eyesight should be apparent. Taking care to use all medications prescribed following surgery is important to obtain the best results possible.
Lens implants are permanent fixtures which should not need to be replaced and are designed to last for the lifetime of the patient. Although it is possible in some people who undergo the procedure, for the cells in the surrounding ocular membrane to affect the function of the new lens. This typically happens several months or just over a year after surgery.
A simple, painless, in-office procedure called "YAG laser capsulotomy" is used to correct this issue if it occurs. This is carried out with a special laser device that removes the excess cell growth which is clouding the lens, which restores the patient's vision. It only takes a few seconds to do this procedure. A cataract cannot grow back once an intra-ocular lens is implanted however.
This type of surgery is performed under local anesthetic, and it involves first making a tiny incision on the side of the cornea, often with a laser. Next, a device which generates ultrasonic vibrations is inserted that will cause the diseased lens to break apart into tiny pieces to the point where it is liquified, these particles are then suctioned out. This process is called "phacoemulsification".
A synthetic lens, known as an "intraocular lens" is implanted in place of the original one. These are designed to direct light onto the retina much like a natural lens does, and are made from clear acrylic, plastic, or silicone. Once installed they are meant to be permanent and don't need any special care to maintain them.
Patients are able to return home an hour or two after the procedure since it is performed on an outpatient basis and generally can be completed in under an hour's time. Most people are awake during the operation but may be given a sedative. The surgeon will only operate on a single eye, so those who require cataract removal in both will need to undergo a second operation several weeks later.
Following the surgery, one can expect to feel some minor irritation, watering of the eye, and increased light sensitivity. Analgesics such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can usually help manage any discomfort, and the use of sunglasses is useful to shield the eyes from the sun when outside. Eye drops will be prescribed to help prevent infection as well. Simply resting for a day or so afterwards is usually all the recovery time it requires.
Improvement of vision should be noted in the patient the day after surgery. In a month's time of so, he or she will be prescribed new glasses and at this point the full extent of the improvement in eyesight should be apparent. Taking care to use all medications prescribed following surgery is important to obtain the best results possible.
Lens implants are permanent fixtures which should not need to be replaced and are designed to last for the lifetime of the patient. Although it is possible in some people who undergo the procedure, for the cells in the surrounding ocular membrane to affect the function of the new lens. This typically happens several months or just over a year after surgery.
A simple, painless, in-office procedure called "YAG laser capsulotomy" is used to correct this issue if it occurs. This is carried out with a special laser device that removes the excess cell growth which is clouding the lens, which restores the patient's vision. It only takes a few seconds to do this procedure. A cataract cannot grow back once an intra-ocular lens is implanted however.