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.
The commonest technique that is employed is phacoemulsification. The first step in this technique is the application of local anesthesia so as to reduce the sensitivity. A small incision is then made on the cornea to be used for the removal of the lens. Since the lens is usually hardened, it has to be broken into smaller pieces first using an ultrasound probe. Laser is increasing being used for this procedure with the aim of increasing the precision and reducing the recovery time.
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 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.
The commonest technique that is employed is phacoemulsification. The first step in this technique is the application of local anesthesia so as to reduce the sensitivity. A small incision is then made on the cornea to be used for the removal of the lens. Since the lens is usually hardened, it has to be broken into smaller pieces first using an ultrasound probe. Laser is increasing being used for this procedure with the aim of increasing the precision and reducing the recovery time.
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 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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