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 severity of visual impairment due to cataract varies from one person to another. One or both eyes may be affected. The natural history of this condition is a gradual onset of cloudiness of vision that progress slowly over some years (in the case of adults). The role of surgery is to get rid of the opacity in the lens. The natural lens may be returned to its position or replaced with an artificial one.
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.
There is a need for one to be properly prepared. Part of the preparation entails an ophthalmic examination that is done to confirm the diagnosis of cataract and its severity. Cases that are associated with mild impairment may not necessarily require surgical intervention. Infections and increased intraocular pressure may mean that the procedure be postponed until the conditions have been managed.
Since this operation is considered a minor surgery, it is usually performed in an outpatient clinic as a day case. Except in very rare circumstances, general anesthesia is usually not needed. What this means is that you will be awake during the whole exercise. Eye droplets containing a local anesthetic agent are usually enough to numb the eye and reduce discomfort. On average, an operation lasts between thirty minutes and one hour.
Increased use of laser techniques has significantly improved the outcomes. Compared to the use of a surgical knife, the incisions made with the laser beam are more precise and less likely to result in complications. Apart from making surgical incisions, laser is also used in the liquefaction process, replacing the traditional ultrasound-based technique. Overall, recovery is faster when laser is used than when the surgical blade is used.
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.
As is the case with many surgical operations, complications may be encountered in the course of this operation. Bleeding and infections are the most probable but are fairly easy to manage. The most serious long term complication is a condition referred to as posterior capsule opacification (or PCO). It occurs when the cloudy opacity reappears within the lens. Surgery is needed to correct the problem.
The severity of visual impairment due to cataract varies from one person to another. One or both eyes may be affected. The natural history of this condition is a gradual onset of cloudiness of vision that progress slowly over some years (in the case of adults). The role of surgery is to get rid of the opacity in the lens. The natural lens may be returned to its position or replaced with an artificial one.
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.
There is a need for one to be properly prepared. Part of the preparation entails an ophthalmic examination that is done to confirm the diagnosis of cataract and its severity. Cases that are associated with mild impairment may not necessarily require surgical intervention. Infections and increased intraocular pressure may mean that the procedure be postponed until the conditions have been managed.
Since this operation is considered a minor surgery, it is usually performed in an outpatient clinic as a day case. Except in very rare circumstances, general anesthesia is usually not needed. What this means is that you will be awake during the whole exercise. Eye droplets containing a local anesthetic agent are usually enough to numb the eye and reduce discomfort. On average, an operation lasts between thirty minutes and one hour.
Increased use of laser techniques has significantly improved the outcomes. Compared to the use of a surgical knife, the incisions made with the laser beam are more precise and less likely to result in complications. Apart from making surgical incisions, laser is also used in the liquefaction process, replacing the traditional ultrasound-based technique. Overall, recovery is faster when laser is used than when the surgical blade is used.
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.
As is the case with many surgical operations, complications may be encountered in the course of this operation. Bleeding and infections are the most probable but are fairly easy to manage. The most serious long term complication is a condition referred to as posterior capsule opacification (or PCO). It occurs when the cloudy opacity reappears within the lens. Surgery is needed to correct the problem.
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