Monday, April 7, 2014

Facts About Cataract Surgery San Antonio

By Mollie Burton


The procedure in which the lens of the eye is removed and replaced with an artificial one is known as cataract surgery. The lens is removed whenever it gets clouded and thus one is unable to see clearly. The surgical operation is performed by ophthalmologists and is done on an outpatient basis. This means the patients are treated and discharged on the same day. Over the years, it has become a common procedure and is also safe. In considering cataract surgery San Antonio offers many options.

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.

Any delays in going for the surgical operation will not have any adverse effects. If anything, it offers individuals the chance to consider the other available options and make an informed decision. Some factors will determine the need for surgery; the ability of the individual to comfortably perform tasks, their ability to watch television or read without problems, whether they can see faces of people clearly and the effect that very bright light has on 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 preparation is required prior to the procedure. During the one week before treatment, ultrasound tests will be carried out on the eye. This is done to measure its size and shape and thus help in establishing the lens implant type to be used. The doctor may also instruct the patient to stop taking medications that may have a negative effect on treatment. Any risks of infection are minimized through the use of eye drops. There are instances in which patients are instructed not to drink anything for the 12 hours before treatment.

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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