The lens of the eye is normally a transparent structure, however sometimes due to aging or injury, it can become clouded, this is referred to as a "cataract". This condition can lead to impaired vision and possibly blindness if untreated. Fortunately, it can be corrected in most cases with an operation. When considering cataract surgery San Antonio TX patients should first find out what's involved in it.
This type of surgery is performed under local anesthetic, and it involves first making a tiny incision on the side of the cornea, often with a laser. Next, a device which generates ultrasonic vibrations is inserted that will cause the diseased lens to break apart into tiny pieces to the point where it is liquified, these particles are then suctioned out. This process is called "phacoemulsification".
In place of the lens, an artificial one is implanted. This type of lens is called an "intraocular lens" and it may be made from transparent plastic, silicone, or acrylic, and it requires no special care once it's in place. It serves exactly the same purpose as the original lens, to direct light onto the retina.
A cataract operation is typically an outpatient procedure, and the patient can return home shortly after. It is normally completed in less than an hour, and in most instances the patient remains awake but sedated throughout the procedure. Surgeons prefer to only operate on one eye at a time, so if the patient has cataracts in both eyes, two surgeries will be needed, usually several weeks apart.
Following the surgery, one can expect to feel some minor irritation, watering of the eye, and increased light sensitivity. Analgesics such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can usually help manage any discomfort, and the use of sunglasses is useful to shield the eyes from the sun when outside. Eye drops will be prescribed to help prevent infection as well. Simply resting for a day or so afterwards is usually all the recovery time it requires.
The patient should note an almost immediate improvement in his or her vision, as early as the day after surgery. A new glasses prescription will be provided to the patient, and after a month, the full extent of the improvement should be realized. Following the doctor's orders where the use of any prescribed medications is concerned, is essential to obtaining optimal results.
Generally a lens implant is a permanent fixture that will last for the patient's lifetime and will not need to be replaced. Although rarely, there may be clouding of the lining of the lens several months or years after it has been installed. This happens as a result of cell growth in the membrane of the eye which surrounds the synthetic lens.
Patients who are experiencing this complication, will undergo a quick and painless procedure known as a "YAG laser capsulotomy". This can be done in the opthalmologist's office and only takes a few seconds. A laser is used to remove the obstructive cell growth, allowing the patient to once again see clearly. Cataracts will never regrow however, since they can only form on a natural lens surface.
This type of surgery is performed under local anesthetic, and it involves first making a tiny incision on the side of the cornea, often with a laser. Next, a device which generates ultrasonic vibrations is inserted that will cause the diseased lens to break apart into tiny pieces to the point where it is liquified, these particles are then suctioned out. This process is called "phacoemulsification".
In place of the lens, an artificial one is implanted. This type of lens is called an "intraocular lens" and it may be made from transparent plastic, silicone, or acrylic, and it requires no special care once it's in place. It serves exactly the same purpose as the original lens, to direct light onto the retina.
A cataract operation is typically an outpatient procedure, and the patient can return home shortly after. It is normally completed in less than an hour, and in most instances the patient remains awake but sedated throughout the procedure. Surgeons prefer to only operate on one eye at a time, so if the patient has cataracts in both eyes, two surgeries will be needed, usually several weeks apart.
Following the surgery, one can expect to feel some minor irritation, watering of the eye, and increased light sensitivity. Analgesics such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can usually help manage any discomfort, and the use of sunglasses is useful to shield the eyes from the sun when outside. Eye drops will be prescribed to help prevent infection as well. Simply resting for a day or so afterwards is usually all the recovery time it requires.
The patient should note an almost immediate improvement in his or her vision, as early as the day after surgery. A new glasses prescription will be provided to the patient, and after a month, the full extent of the improvement should be realized. Following the doctor's orders where the use of any prescribed medications is concerned, is essential to obtaining optimal results.
Generally a lens implant is a permanent fixture that will last for the patient's lifetime and will not need to be replaced. Although rarely, there may be clouding of the lining of the lens several months or years after it has been installed. This happens as a result of cell growth in the membrane of the eye which surrounds the synthetic lens.
Patients who are experiencing this complication, will undergo a quick and painless procedure known as a "YAG laser capsulotomy". This can be done in the opthalmologist's office and only takes a few seconds. A laser is used to remove the obstructive cell growth, allowing the patient to once again see clearly. Cataracts will never regrow however, since they can only form on a natural lens surface.
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