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 technique that is employed is also known as phacoemulsification. The first thing that is done is administration of local anesthesia. Next, a small incision (surgical cut) is made on the eye ball (on the cornea). The lens is broken down into small pieces using an ultrasound device to facilitate easy removal. Modern techniques have incorporated the use of laser beams as opposed to surgical knives. This has led to a number of advantages that include greater precision in cutting hence faster recovery.
A lens that has been affected by cataract may be dealt with in a number of ways. One of the options involves removing it, cleaning it and then putting it back in position. In the second option, which is the commonest, the lens is removed and replaced with an artificial one made of acrylic, silicone or plastic. This is also known as intraocular lens implantation.
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 commonest long term complication is posterior or capsule opacification, PCO. The complication occurs within months to years when cloudiness reappears in the back portion of the lens. This complications can, fortunately, be corrected through surgical intervention. The surgery is known as capsulotomy and can be done within about 5 minutes using laser. Other long term complications that may be encountered include retinal detachment and increased eye pressure.
The technique that is employed is also known as phacoemulsification. The first thing that is done is administration of local anesthesia. Next, a small incision (surgical cut) is made on the eye ball (on the cornea). The lens is broken down into small pieces using an ultrasound device to facilitate easy removal. Modern techniques have incorporated the use of laser beams as opposed to surgical knives. This has led to a number of advantages that include greater precision in cutting hence faster recovery.
A lens that has been affected by cataract may be dealt with in a number of ways. One of the options involves removing it, cleaning it and then putting it back in position. In the second option, which is the commonest, the lens is removed and replaced with an artificial one made of acrylic, silicone or plastic. This is also known as intraocular lens implantation.
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 commonest long term complication is posterior or capsule opacification, PCO. The complication occurs within months to years when cloudiness reappears in the back portion of the lens. This complications can, fortunately, be corrected through surgical intervention. The surgery is known as capsulotomy and can be done within about 5 minutes using laser. Other long term complications that may be encountered include 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.
Aucun commentaire:
Enregistrer un commentaire