Cataract is one of the commonest causes of blindness worldwide. The hallmark feature of this condition is clouding of the eye lens. This may occur naturally as an effect of aging but some cases tend to occur before birth due to chemical or physical injuries. Fortunately the condition can be managed through surgery. There are a number of things on cataract surgery orange county residents need to be aware of if planning to have the procedure.
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.
A lens that has been affected by cataract may be dealt with in a number of ways. One of the options involves removing it, cleaning it and then putting it back in position. In the second option, which is the commonest, the lens is removed and replaced with an artificial one made of acrylic, silicone or plastic. This is also known as 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 surgery typically takes less than an hour and one is released from hospital on the same day. Your doctor will give you instructions on how to take care of the eye to prevent injury during the recovery period. It is important to note that not all cases of cataract require surgery. If the vision is not significantly impaired your doctor may advise against the operation.
There is marked improvement as soon as you start using the eye. One of the major benefits that you will realize is the fact that it becomes easier to perceive bright light and brightly colored objects. Maximal benefits are usually realized after one to two months. Prescription glasses may be needed in some cases. Such a need would arise due to the inability of artificial lenses to adjust with shifting focus.
Immediately after the operation one may experience a bit of irritation but this resolves spontaneously within a few hours. At times, your doctor may prescribe some over the counter analgesic agents such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen for a few days. Some people also complain of increased sensitivity to light especially during the first few days after the operation. Wearing dark glasses will be helpful in such situations.
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.
A lens that has been affected by cataract may be dealt with in a number of ways. One of the options involves removing it, cleaning it and then putting it back in position. In the second option, which is the commonest, the lens is removed and replaced with an artificial one made of acrylic, silicone or plastic. This is also known as 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 surgery typically takes less than an hour and one is released from hospital on the same day. Your doctor will give you instructions on how to take care of the eye to prevent injury during the recovery period. It is important to note that not all cases of cataract require surgery. If the vision is not significantly impaired your doctor may advise against the operation.
There is marked improvement as soon as you start using the eye. One of the major benefits that you will realize is the fact that it becomes easier to perceive bright light and brightly colored objects. Maximal benefits are usually realized after one to two months. Prescription glasses may be needed in some cases. Such a need would arise due to the inability of artificial lenses to adjust with shifting focus.
Immediately after the operation one may experience a bit of irritation but this resolves spontaneously within a few hours. At times, your doctor may prescribe some over the counter analgesic agents such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen for a few days. Some people also complain of increased sensitivity to light especially during the first few days after the operation. Wearing dark glasses will be helpful in such situations.
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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