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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
About the Author:
If you are searching for the facts about cataract surgery Orange County locals can pay a visit to our web pages online here today. Additional details are available at http://marshburneyecenter.com now.
No comments:
Post a Comment