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Saturday, 8 March 2014

Facts About Cataract Surgery San Antonio

By Mollie Burton


Cataract surgery is the procedure whereby there is removal of the lens of the eye, replacing it with an artificial one. It is used in the treatment of clouding that occurs in the eye. This procedure is performed by eye doctors, usually on an outpatient basis, which means one does not have to stay in hospital after the surgical procedure. The entire procedure is safe and is common. When going for cataract surgery San Antonio residents should know what is involved.

The cloudiness causes vision to be blurry and there is also an increase in glare from light. The surgical operation is recommended by the doctor when the cloudiness intensifies and makes those involved not to be able to perform their daily chores. Surgery will also be a necessity when the cataracts interfere with treatment of other eye conditions. An example is when they make it hard for the ophthalmologist to examine the back part of the eye.

Generally, if one decides to postpone the surgical operation for a while, there will not be any problem. This gives individuals time to consider any other options that may be available. When making the decision, there are important factors that have to be considered. The individual should consider if they can safely do their job, if they have problems reading or watching TV, whether or not they can clearly see faces and whether bright light affects their eyes.

This procedure is relatively safe and any complications or risks are rarely experienced. There may be the risk of infection, bleeding, retinal detachment, swelling, glaucoma and loss of vision. People suffering from other eye conditions are at a greater risk of complications. Such underlying damage may also have a negative effect on treatment.

Some form of preparation is required before the actual procedure. Ultrasound tests will be performed on the eye one week before surgery. The purpose of this is to establish the right size lens implant that is to be used. As part of preparation, one may be required to cease taking medications that are known to increase risk of bleeding. The risk of getting infected during treatment is reduced through the use of eye drops. Drinking or eating anything for the 12 hours before the procedure is discouraged.

The entire treatment is finished within one hour or two. The pupil needs to be dilated before treatment, which is done by application of eye drops. Local anesthesia is used to numb the area around the eye. For purposes of relaxation, sedatives are administered.

The ophthalmologist removes the lens that is clouded and implants the clear artificial one. In some instances, cataracts are removed without implanting the artificial lens. A few days after treatment, vision is improved. For some time one may experience blurred vision. However, this is temporary and disappears after a short time.

Some itching is likely to be experienced for some time during the first few days. Individuals are discouraged from rubbing the eyes at such times. For better protection, protective shields and eye patches are recommended.




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