A cataract is the term given to the condition in which the eye's lens becomes clouded, resulting in blurry vision. It is most commonly related to advancing age and can occur in one eye or both. In its early stages, new glasses may help, but ultimately the only permanent treatment option is an operation. If considering cataract surgery Orange County patients should first ensure that they know all it entails.
Surgical correction of cataracts consists of replacing the cloudy, damaged lens with an artificial one. If the patient is having difficulty carrying out basic activities involving the use of the eyes such as driving or reading, usually surgery will be advised. Fortunately, patients can take their time to decide whether to go ahead with the procedure since waiting itself does not pose a risk to the eye.
Occasionally surgery will also be indicated when the presence of the cataract impedes the necessary treatment of other eye conditions like macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy. Through regular eye exams the doctor should recognize if operating on the eye is the most appropriate solution. If both eyes require surgery, usually there will be a month or two between each procedure.
The most commonly used method of performing this operation is "phacoemulsification" in which an incision is made along the side of the cornea to facilitate removal of the clouded lens. An artificial lens is inserted in place of the natural one, and it is made from clear plastic. Typically this procedure is effective in 90% of patients.
Preparation for the surgery is started a week or two before it is scheduled. Tests will be done to assess the size and shape of the patient's eye and the curve of the cornea, as this information will be needed for selecting the correct artificial lens. Usually the patient will not be permitted to eat or drink anything for twelve hours prior to the operation.
Done as an out-patient operation in a hospital or eye clinic, the patient is usually given a local anesthetic to numb the sensation in the eye although sometimes a general anesthetic will be administered but this is not necessary in most cases. Little pain is involved and the whole procedure generally takes an hour at most.
Following the operation, a patch will be positioned over the treated eye and the patient will be ordered to rest awhile. If no problems are apparent, patients will be able to go home shortly after provided they have a ride. It's normal to expect some minor discomfort and itching or fluid discharge in the eye afterwards but this should dissipate after a day or two.
Eyedrops will need to be administered for several days to promote healing and prevent infection and the eye should be protected with glasses or an eye patch. Light, moderate activity may be resumed and in eight weeks following cataract surgery Orange County patients should expect a full recovery. The healing process will be monitored by routine check-ups throughout this period.
Surgical correction of cataracts consists of replacing the cloudy, damaged lens with an artificial one. If the patient is having difficulty carrying out basic activities involving the use of the eyes such as driving or reading, usually surgery will be advised. Fortunately, patients can take their time to decide whether to go ahead with the procedure since waiting itself does not pose a risk to the eye.
Occasionally surgery will also be indicated when the presence of the cataract impedes the necessary treatment of other eye conditions like macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy. Through regular eye exams the doctor should recognize if operating on the eye is the most appropriate solution. If both eyes require surgery, usually there will be a month or two between each procedure.
The most commonly used method of performing this operation is "phacoemulsification" in which an incision is made along the side of the cornea to facilitate removal of the clouded lens. An artificial lens is inserted in place of the natural one, and it is made from clear plastic. Typically this procedure is effective in 90% of patients.
Preparation for the surgery is started a week or two before it is scheduled. Tests will be done to assess the size and shape of the patient's eye and the curve of the cornea, as this information will be needed for selecting the correct artificial lens. Usually the patient will not be permitted to eat or drink anything for twelve hours prior to the operation.
Done as an out-patient operation in a hospital or eye clinic, the patient is usually given a local anesthetic to numb the sensation in the eye although sometimes a general anesthetic will be administered but this is not necessary in most cases. Little pain is involved and the whole procedure generally takes an hour at most.
Following the operation, a patch will be positioned over the treated eye and the patient will be ordered to rest awhile. If no problems are apparent, patients will be able to go home shortly after provided they have a ride. It's normal to expect some minor discomfort and itching or fluid discharge in the eye afterwards but this should dissipate after a day or two.
Eyedrops will need to be administered for several days to promote healing and prevent infection and the eye should be protected with glasses or an eye patch. Light, moderate activity may be resumed and in eight weeks following cataract surgery Orange County patients should expect a full recovery. The healing process will be monitored by routine check-ups throughout this period.
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