Guide To Cataract Surgery San Antonio Patients Will Find Helpful

By Coleen Torres


A cataract is a disorder of the eye characterized by the clouding of the normally clear lens. This usually occurs as a result of aging, but it can sometimes be caused by an injury as well, if left untreated, the patient will eventually be unable to see with the affected eye. Surgery is used to correct this condition effectively. If interested in the prospect of cataract surgery San Antonio TX patients must discuss it with their opthalmologist.

This procedure is termed a "phacoemulsification" and is usually done with a local anesthetic. A surgical laser is used to make a small incision in the side of the cornea in order that an ultrasound device can be inserted which will emit vibrations that cause the diseased lens to disintegrate into tiny particles which are then suctioned out of the site.

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 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.

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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