Cataract is one of the major causes of blindness all over the world. It may be seen in newborns or in old age. When seen at birth, it is usually a consequence of drug or physical trauma to the baby during pregnancy. When seen in the elderly, on the other hand, it is considered a normal senile change. Surgery is used to remove the opacity and improve vision. If planning to have cataract surgery San Antonio residents need to understand a number of things.
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.
You will notice improvements within hours or days of having the procedure. Some of the benefits include improved perception of color, visual acuity and ability to look directly at bright objects. Maximal improvements take a few weeks to be realized. In the event that you have an artificial intraocular lens placed in the eye you will also have a pair of glasses prescribed. This is because the artificial lenses cannot readjust for far and near vision.
There are a number of complications that may arise from this surgery. Although rare, one may suffer from bleeding into the eye. Infections may also be noted if adequate antibiotics are not used. The two complications are usually quite easy to manage and rarely impact on the outcomes. The main complication seen in the long term is posterior capsule opacification (PCO). It requires surgical correction.
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.
You will notice improvements within hours or days of having the procedure. Some of the benefits include improved perception of color, visual acuity and ability to look directly at bright objects. Maximal improvements take a few weeks to be realized. In the event that you have an artificial intraocular lens placed in the eye you will also have a pair of glasses prescribed. This is because the artificial lenses cannot readjust for far and near vision.
There are a number of complications that may arise from this surgery. Although rare, one may suffer from bleeding into the eye. Infections may also be noted if adequate antibiotics are not used. The two complications are usually quite easy to manage and rarely impact on the outcomes. The main complication seen in the long term is posterior capsule opacification (PCO). It requires surgical correction.
About the Author:
Learn everything you need to know about cataract surgery San Antonio area and get more info about a well-respected surgeon at http://www.saeye.com right now.
0 commentaires:
Enregistrer un commentaire