Patients who suffer from cataracts have difficulty seeing clearly since the normally clear lens of the eye becomes cloudy, preventing light from entering properly. If not treated, the vision will worsen to the point of blindness. Fortunately this condition can be easily corrected with a straightforward surgical procedure. If they wish to learn more about cataract surgery San Antonio TX patients should visit an opthalmologist.
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.
Following the procedure, patients can anticipate some minor discomfort in the eye, and it may also water more readily and be sensitive to sunlight. These complaints are easily remedied with analgesics, and sunglasses to provide protection from the sun when outdoors. The doctor will prescribe eye drops to prevent infection, and otherwise just taking it easy for a day after the surgery and not over-exerting oneself is all that's needed for recovery.
Most patients will experience improved vision as early as the day after the operation. New eyeglasses will be prescribed and once about a month has passed since the surgery, the maximum degree of improvement will be apparent. It is important for the patient to use all medications the doctor prescribes in order to ensure the best outcome possible.
Lens implants are permanent fixtures which should not need to be replaced and are designed to last for the lifetime of the patient. Although it is possible in some people who undergo the procedure, for the cells in the surrounding ocular membrane to affect the function of the new lens. This typically happens several months or just over a year after surgery.
A simple, painless, in-office procedure called "YAG laser capsulotomy" is used to correct this issue if it occurs. This is carried out with a special laser device that removes the excess cell growth which is clouding the lens, which restores the patient's vision. It only takes a few seconds to do this procedure. A cataract cannot grow back once an intra-ocular lens is implanted however.
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.
Following the procedure, patients can anticipate some minor discomfort in the eye, and it may also water more readily and be sensitive to sunlight. These complaints are easily remedied with analgesics, and sunglasses to provide protection from the sun when outdoors. The doctor will prescribe eye drops to prevent infection, and otherwise just taking it easy for a day after the surgery and not over-exerting oneself is all that's needed for recovery.
Most patients will experience improved vision as early as the day after the operation. New eyeglasses will be prescribed and once about a month has passed since the surgery, the maximum degree of improvement will be apparent. It is important for the patient to use all medications the doctor prescribes in order to ensure the best outcome possible.
Lens implants are permanent fixtures which should not need to be replaced and are designed to last for the lifetime of the patient. Although it is possible in some people who undergo the procedure, for the cells in the surrounding ocular membrane to affect the function of the new lens. This typically happens several months or just over a year after surgery.
A simple, painless, in-office procedure called "YAG laser capsulotomy" is used to correct this issue if it occurs. This is carried out with a special laser device that removes the excess cell growth which is clouding the lens, which restores the patient's vision. It only takes a few seconds to do this procedure. A cataract cannot grow back once an intra-ocular lens is implanted however.
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