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.
After the patient is given a local anesthetic, the surgeon will make a tiny incision on the lateral part of the cornea using a laser instrument. Then a device which produces ultrasonic vibrations is inserted in the incision, which causes the diseased lens to disintegrate into small particles which are vacuumed out of the eye. The procedure is known as "phacoemulsification".
A synthetic lens, known as an "intraocular lens" is implanted in place of the original one. These are designed to direct light onto the retina much like a natural lens does, and are made from clear acrylic, plastic, or silicone. Once installed they are meant to be permanent and don't need any special care to maintain them.
Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure which usually takes less than an hour, and the patient can return home the same day. Most patients remain conscious while it is being done, as they are give a local anesthetic and sometimes a sedative as well. The surgeon will not operate on both eyes at the same time, so those with two cataracts will need to return several weeks later for a second operation.
It is normal to experience a bit of discomfort afterwards, and the eye may water easily and be more sensitive to the sun. Pain is usually mild and won't last long, easily controlled with over-the-counter analgesics, and wearing sunglasses will be helpful when outside in the sun. Just a day of rest with no strenuous activity is really all that's needed to recover, and eye drops will be prescribed to help prevent infection.
Improvement of vision should be noted in the patient the day after surgery. In a month's time of so, he or she will be prescribed new glasses and at this point the full extent of the improvement in eyesight should be apparent. Taking care to use all medications prescribed following surgery is important to obtain the best results possible.
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.
After the patient is given a local anesthetic, the surgeon will make a tiny incision on the lateral part of the cornea using a laser instrument. Then a device which produces ultrasonic vibrations is inserted in the incision, which causes the diseased lens to disintegrate into small particles which are vacuumed out of the eye. The procedure is known as "phacoemulsification".
A synthetic lens, known as an "intraocular lens" is implanted in place of the original one. These are designed to direct light onto the retina much like a natural lens does, and are made from clear acrylic, plastic, or silicone. Once installed they are meant to be permanent and don't need any special care to maintain them.
Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure which usually takes less than an hour, and the patient can return home the same day. Most patients remain conscious while it is being done, as they are give a local anesthetic and sometimes a sedative as well. The surgeon will not operate on both eyes at the same time, so those with two cataracts will need to return several weeks later for a second operation.
It is normal to experience a bit of discomfort afterwards, and the eye may water easily and be more sensitive to the sun. Pain is usually mild and won't last long, easily controlled with over-the-counter analgesics, and wearing sunglasses will be helpful when outside in the sun. Just a day of rest with no strenuous activity is really all that's needed to recover, and eye drops will be prescribed to help prevent infection.
Improvement of vision should be noted in the patient the day after surgery. In a month's time of so, he or she will be prescribed new glasses and at this point the full extent of the improvement in eyesight should be apparent. Taking care to use all medications prescribed following surgery is important to obtain the best results possible.
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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