The procedure known as cataract surgery is used to remove the clouded eye lens and replace it with one that is artificial. The surgery is used in treating clouding of the lens that is normally clear. The specialists that perform the procedure are known as ophthalmologists or eye doctors. Normally, it is done on an outpatient basis, meaning patients do not have to stay in hospital after the procedure. When considering cataract surgery San Antonio residents should know what is involved. It is a safe procedure.
When it reaches a level where the individual is not able to go about their daily chores normally, then the surgery remains the best option of treatment. Furthermore, there are times when cataracts interfere with treatment of other conditions of the eyes. For example, they may make it difficult for the ophthalmologist to examine the interior sections of the eye. This will also call for surgical operation to remove the clouding.
Fortunately for those involved, there is no harm in taking time before going for treatment, it is never an emergency situation. The advantage of this is that one has the time to weigh their options and make a well informed decision. Actually, people whose vision is still good may not need the surgery for many years. The ability of the individual to clearly see faces, ability to watch television without struggling and also go for shopping or cook are some of the factors determining need for treatment.
Any risks or complications are rare but there are people that are bound to experience them after treatment. Some of the complications include loss of vision, swelling, bleeding, retinal detachment and inflammation. In some cases, underlying conditions make it difficult for the surgery to improve vision. Such conditions would have to be treated before surgically removing the cataracts.
There is some prior preparation that is required. A painless ultrasound test is performed one week before treatment so that the actual size and shape of the eyes are determined. This will help in deciding on the best size of lens implant to be used. Certain medications are also supposed to be avoided as they may lead to complications. There are medications that may increase bleeding.
For reduction of the risk of infection, there is the use of eye drops. These are used one or two days in prior. Moreover, there are times when the doctor advises against eating or drinking anything before the actual day. Being an outpatient procedure, it takes an hour or less to complete. Local anesthesia is used to numb the area in question. Sedatives are used for relaxation. Sedatives make the individual to remain awake but groggy during the surgical operation.
The clouded lens is removed and replaced with a clear artificial one. In some instances however, lenses are removed without replacement. Improvement of vision is realized after a few days following treatment. There are periodic visits to the doctor after treatment.
For most people that go for the procedure, vision is restored successfully. Though there are side effects that may be experienced, these are rare and should be reported to the doctor at once. Among the expected complications is retinal detachment as well as increased eye pressure.
When it reaches a level where the individual is not able to go about their daily chores normally, then the surgery remains the best option of treatment. Furthermore, there are times when cataracts interfere with treatment of other conditions of the eyes. For example, they may make it difficult for the ophthalmologist to examine the interior sections of the eye. This will also call for surgical operation to remove the clouding.
Fortunately for those involved, there is no harm in taking time before going for treatment, it is never an emergency situation. The advantage of this is that one has the time to weigh their options and make a well informed decision. Actually, people whose vision is still good may not need the surgery for many years. The ability of the individual to clearly see faces, ability to watch television without struggling and also go for shopping or cook are some of the factors determining need for treatment.
Any risks or complications are rare but there are people that are bound to experience them after treatment. Some of the complications include loss of vision, swelling, bleeding, retinal detachment and inflammation. In some cases, underlying conditions make it difficult for the surgery to improve vision. Such conditions would have to be treated before surgically removing the cataracts.
There is some prior preparation that is required. A painless ultrasound test is performed one week before treatment so that the actual size and shape of the eyes are determined. This will help in deciding on the best size of lens implant to be used. Certain medications are also supposed to be avoided as they may lead to complications. There are medications that may increase bleeding.
For reduction of the risk of infection, there is the use of eye drops. These are used one or two days in prior. Moreover, there are times when the doctor advises against eating or drinking anything before the actual day. Being an outpatient procedure, it takes an hour or less to complete. Local anesthesia is used to numb the area in question. Sedatives are used for relaxation. Sedatives make the individual to remain awake but groggy during the surgical operation.
The clouded lens is removed and replaced with a clear artificial one. In some instances however, lenses are removed without replacement. Improvement of vision is realized after a few days following treatment. There are periodic visits to the doctor after treatment.
For most people that go for the procedure, vision is restored successfully. Though there are side effects that may be experienced, these are rare and should be reported to the doctor at once. Among the expected complications is retinal detachment as well as increased eye pressure.
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