Information On Cataract Surgery San Antonio

By Mollie Burton


The surgical operation that involves removing the eye lens and replacing it with that which is artificial is known as cataract surgery. It is used for treatment of lenses that get clouded and make it difficult for the individual to see clearly. The specialist that performs the operation is called an ophthalmologist. It is an outpatient procedure and thus patients will not have to stay in hospital for long; they are treated and released on the same day. In consideration of cataract surgery San Antonio residents have various details to learn.

The aim is to get rid of cataracts that are the cause of blurry vision in addition to increasing the effects of light on the eyes. Surgery becomes one of the best treatment options when the cataracts hamper their ability to go about daily tasks. In some cases, cataracts interfere with other forms of eye treatment, which will also call for surgery. An example is when they interfere with examination of back parts of the eye.

There is no serious problem in case one decides to postpone the treatment for some time. In fact, this would give them the chance to consider their decision and any other available options. Various factors will need to be considered before the need for surgery arises. The individual should examine their ability to do daily chores without struggling to see, whether they have difficulty watching TV, their ability to see faces of people clearly and the effect of bright light in their eyes.

Any complications that arise after surgery are uncommon and most of them are able to be successfully treated. Some of the risks include bleeding, infection, swelling, retinal detachment, loss of vision and glaucoma. The risks and complications will be greater for people with other eye conditions. There are instances when the treatment fails to improve vision due to underlying eye damage from other conditions.

There are certain preparations before the procedure. One will need to undergo tests one week in advance, notably ultrasound. This is done for measurement of the shape and size of the eye to help in determining type of lens implant to be used. One may also have to stop taking certain medications which may increase risk of bleeding. Eye drops are used in reducing risk of infection. Doctors at times instruct their patients not to drink or eat anything for 12 hours preceding the operation.

The procedure takes a very short time; one or two hours. Eye drops are placed in the eye in order to dilate the pupil. There is then the use of local anesthesia to numb surrounding areas and sedatives for relaxation.

During cataract surgery, there is removal of the lens that is clouded, then implantation of the clear artificial lens. There are certain cases in which cataracts are removed without subsequent implantation of the artificial lens. Vision is expected to improve within a few days after coming from hospital. The vision could be blurry at first but adjusts over time.

The individual should expect some itching for a few days during recovery. Doctors normally advice patients that they should not rub their eyes whenever they itch. Eye patches and protective shields are likely to be required for some time after surgery.




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