Cataract is a common cause of congenital as well as acquired blindness. The condition is characterized by clouding of the eye lens which subsequently leads to reduced visual acuity. A majority of the cases are due to aging but some may be encountered at birth due to physical or chemical injuries. Surgery is the definitive treatment for this abnormality. If they wish to have cataract surgery orange county residents need to understand a number of things beforehand.
Most eye surgeons use a technique known as phacoemulsification. Local anesthesia is first applied to the eye to reduce the sensitivity that is associated with the procedure. Next, a small surgical incision is used to open the cornea (directly in front of the lens). The lens is often broken down into smaller pieces to make its removal easier. The adoption of laser techniques for this procedure has not only improved outcomes but has also significantly reduced the recovery times.
There are two main options of dealing with a lens that has been affected by cataract. The first option is to clean it and return it back to its position. When this is done, there is no need for prescription glasses. The second is to replace the lens with an artificial one made of materials such as acrylic, plastic and silicone. This procedure is also called intraocular lens implantation.
The operation is generally safe. However, some complications may be encountered in rare circumstances. Immediate complications may include bleeding, infection and swelling. These complications are more likely to be seen in a previously diseased eye than a normal eye. Preoperative screening helps identify underlying diseases and treat them.
The entire exercise takes about one hour or less and the patient is released from hospital on the same day. Bear in mind that not all the cases of cataract have to be operated on. If the impairment of vision is not significant then surgery might not be that beneficial; surgery will should only be considered if there is a chance that it will improve the quality of life.
You will notice improvement a few hours after the operation. It becomes easier to look into light directly and to perceive bright objects. Maximal results are evident after about one to two months and with the use of prescription glasses. The glasses are needed because the artificial length cannot adjust when you focus on near and far objects like the natural one.
There may be some irritation or pain after the surgery but this should resolve by itself within a few hours. The doctor may prescribe some analgesic agents to minimize the irritation. You may also experience increased sensitivity during the immediate postoperative period. This too, should resolve in a few days. Sunglasses can be used to help reduce this sensitivity.
One of the most serious long term complications is a condition known as posterior capsule opacification (PCO). This occurs when cloudiness recurs in the back of the lens and impairs vision in the same manner as the original problem. Corrective surgery known as capsulotomy can be done in the outpatient in about five minutes using laser. Other long term complications include increased pressure within the eye and retinal detachment.
Most eye surgeons use a technique known as phacoemulsification. Local anesthesia is first applied to the eye to reduce the sensitivity that is associated with the procedure. Next, a small surgical incision is used to open the cornea (directly in front of the lens). The lens is often broken down into smaller pieces to make its removal easier. The adoption of laser techniques for this procedure has not only improved outcomes but has also significantly reduced the recovery times.
There are two main options of dealing with a lens that has been affected by cataract. The first option is to clean it and return it back to its position. When this is done, there is no need for prescription glasses. The second is to replace the lens with an artificial one made of materials such as acrylic, plastic and silicone. This procedure is also called intraocular lens implantation.
The operation is generally safe. However, some complications may be encountered in rare circumstances. Immediate complications may include bleeding, infection and swelling. These complications are more likely to be seen in a previously diseased eye than a normal eye. Preoperative screening helps identify underlying diseases and treat them.
The entire exercise takes about one hour or less and the patient is released from hospital on the same day. Bear in mind that not all the cases of cataract have to be operated on. If the impairment of vision is not significant then surgery might not be that beneficial; surgery will should only be considered if there is a chance that it will improve the quality of life.
You will notice improvement a few hours after the operation. It becomes easier to look into light directly and to perceive bright objects. Maximal results are evident after about one to two months and with the use of prescription glasses. The glasses are needed because the artificial length cannot adjust when you focus on near and far objects like the natural one.
There may be some irritation or pain after the surgery but this should resolve by itself within a few hours. The doctor may prescribe some analgesic agents to minimize the irritation. You may also experience increased sensitivity during the immediate postoperative period. This too, should resolve in a few days. Sunglasses can be used to help reduce this sensitivity.
One of the most serious long term complications is a condition known as posterior capsule opacification (PCO). This occurs when cloudiness recurs in the back of the lens and impairs vision in the same manner as the original problem. Corrective surgery known as capsulotomy can be done in the outpatient in about five minutes using laser. Other long term complications include increased pressure within the eye and retinal detachment.
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