Cataract is a leading cause of blindness worldwide. It is a condition that may be seen at birth or in the elderly. When it appears in newborns, it is usually the result of chemical or physical injury during pregnancy. In the elderly, on the other hand, it is a normal change of aging. Surgery is performed to remove the cataract and restore vision. There are some things on cataract surgery San Antonio residents need to know as they plan to have the procedure.
The condition varies in severity from one person to another. The usual history is that patients will notice a cloudiness in their vision that starts gradually and progresses slowly. Visual impairment may affect one or both eyes. Surgical intervention is needed to remove the opacity so as to allow light to reach the retina. The affected lens may be returned back or replaced in its entirety.
Replacement with artificial lenses is the more commonly performed procedure. This is because vision is better than when the natural lens is returned. The technique employed here is known as phacoemulsification (incision cataract surgery). It involves the creation of a small surgical cut on the cornea and lens to access the hardened center. Next, the substance is liquefied and suctioned from the lens under a vacuum.
It is important that one undergoes proper preparation before undergoing the surgery. For instance, the surgeon needs to conduct an ophthalmic examination of your eye to rule out alternative diagnoses. Glaucoma is one of the conditions whose symptoms closely resemble those of cataract. In the event that this condition exists alongside cataract, it must be treated first before one undergoes surgery.
It is possible to have the operation safely in an outpatient department of a hospital or even a well-equipped private office. This is mainly because, general anesthesia is rarely a requirement. Local anesthesia administered as eye drops or as an injection into the eyelids is enough to take care of any pain. The exercise will take between 30 minutes to an hour unless complications are encountered.
The adoption of laser techniques has contributed to better outcomes. Another major benefit of using laser is that more precise surgical incisions can be made compared to those made by the surgical knife. Bleeding and other complications are fewer when laser is used. Apart from making surgical cuts, laser beams have also replaced ultrasound probes in liquefying the hardened opacity before suctioning.
Improvements are usually noticed as early as the first day after the surgery. Maximal benefits will, however, be realized within a couple of weeks. When an artificial intraocular lens is used, glasses are usually required as well. Apart from improved visual acuity, patients will also find it easier to look directly into light or bright objects and will also be able to differentiate colors.
There are a number of complications that may arise from this surgery. Although rare, one may suffer from bleeding into the eye. Infections may also be noted if adequate antibiotics are not used. The two complications are usually quite easy to manage and rarely impact on the outcomes. The main complication seen in the long term is posterior capsule opacification (PCO). It requires surgical correction.
The condition varies in severity from one person to another. The usual history is that patients will notice a cloudiness in their vision that starts gradually and progresses slowly. Visual impairment may affect one or both eyes. Surgical intervention is needed to remove the opacity so as to allow light to reach the retina. The affected lens may be returned back or replaced in its entirety.
Replacement with artificial lenses is the more commonly performed procedure. This is because vision is better than when the natural lens is returned. The technique employed here is known as phacoemulsification (incision cataract surgery). It involves the creation of a small surgical cut on the cornea and lens to access the hardened center. Next, the substance is liquefied and suctioned from the lens under a vacuum.
It is important that one undergoes proper preparation before undergoing the surgery. For instance, the surgeon needs to conduct an ophthalmic examination of your eye to rule out alternative diagnoses. Glaucoma is one of the conditions whose symptoms closely resemble those of cataract. In the event that this condition exists alongside cataract, it must be treated first before one undergoes surgery.
It is possible to have the operation safely in an outpatient department of a hospital or even a well-equipped private office. This is mainly because, general anesthesia is rarely a requirement. Local anesthesia administered as eye drops or as an injection into the eyelids is enough to take care of any pain. The exercise will take between 30 minutes to an hour unless complications are encountered.
The adoption of laser techniques has contributed to better outcomes. Another major benefit of using laser is that more precise surgical incisions can be made compared to those made by the surgical knife. Bleeding and other complications are fewer when laser is used. Apart from making surgical cuts, laser beams have also replaced ultrasound probes in liquefying the hardened opacity before suctioning.
Improvements are usually noticed as early as the first day after the surgery. Maximal benefits will, however, be realized within a couple of weeks. When an artificial intraocular lens is used, glasses are usually required as well. Apart from improved visual acuity, patients will also find it easier to look directly into light or bright objects and will also be able to differentiate colors.
There are a number of complications that may arise from this surgery. Although rare, one may suffer from bleeding into the eye. Infections may also be noted if adequate antibiotics are not used. The two complications are usually quite easy to manage and rarely impact on the outcomes. The main complication seen in the long term is posterior capsule opacification (PCO). It requires surgical correction.
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