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.
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.
There are two options that are involved once the lens has been accessed. The first involves removing it, cleaning it and putting it back into its position. The second involves replacing the damaged lens with a new, artificial one known as an intraocular lens (IOL). In the latter instance, the procedure will be known as intraocular lens implantation. The artificial lenses are made of plastic, silicone or acrylic.
Majority of the cases are safe but there are a number of possible complications that potential candidates need to be aware of. In the short term, one may suffer from bleeding, swelling and infections among others. The risk is highest in case of preexisting eye disease. Preoperative evaluation helps screen for such problems before the operation is done.
The operation typically takes forty five minutes to one hour. In case both eyes are affected, the two operations are scheduled a few weeks apart. This ensures that you have at least one functional eye at a given point in time. It is important to note that not all forms of cataract are subjected to surgery. The main determinant of whether surgery is needed is the degree to which the quality of life has been affected.
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.
The most common complication seen in the long term is a condition referred to as posterior capsule opacification, PCO. This tends to occur when the cloudiness reappears but in the back part of the lens only. A corrective surgical operation known as capsulotomy is needed to restore normal sight. The procedure is usually done within 5 minutes using laser in an outpatient department. Other possible long term complications are retinal detachment and increased eye pressure.
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.
There are two options that are involved once the lens has been accessed. The first involves removing it, cleaning it and putting it back into its position. The second involves replacing the damaged lens with a new, artificial one known as an intraocular lens (IOL). In the latter instance, the procedure will be known as intraocular lens implantation. The artificial lenses are made of plastic, silicone or acrylic.
Majority of the cases are safe but there are a number of possible complications that potential candidates need to be aware of. In the short term, one may suffer from bleeding, swelling and infections among others. The risk is highest in case of preexisting eye disease. Preoperative evaluation helps screen for such problems before the operation is done.
The operation typically takes forty five minutes to one hour. In case both eyes are affected, the two operations are scheduled a few weeks apart. This ensures that you have at least one functional eye at a given point in time. It is important to note that not all forms of cataract are subjected to surgery. The main determinant of whether surgery is needed is the degree to which the quality of life has been affected.
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.
The most common complication seen in the long term is a condition referred to as posterior capsule opacification, PCO. This tends to occur when the cloudiness reappears but in the back part of the lens only. A corrective surgical operation known as capsulotomy is needed to restore normal sight. The procedure is usually done within 5 minutes using laser in an outpatient department. Other possible long term complications are retinal detachment and increased eye pressure.
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