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".
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.
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.
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.
Lens implants are designed to be permanent and should remain in place for the patient's lifetime. There is really no reason why they would need to be replaced. However, sometimes a patient may experience cell growth in the eye's membrane around the lens, which can cloud its lining. If this is going to happen, it will normally occur within the first year and a half following treatment.
If a patient is found to be experiencing membrane overgrowth that is clouding the surface of the intraocular lens implant, the opthalmologist will perform and quick and painless procedure called a "YAG laser capsulotomy". This can be performed in the doctor's office and effectively restores normal eyesight immediately. The thing about cataracts is that they cannot grow back on an artificial lens, so there is no need to be concerned about that happening.
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".
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.
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.
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.
Lens implants are designed to be permanent and should remain in place for the patient's lifetime. There is really no reason why they would need to be replaced. However, sometimes a patient may experience cell growth in the eye's membrane around the lens, which can cloud its lining. If this is going to happen, it will normally occur within the first year and a half following treatment.
If a patient is found to be experiencing membrane overgrowth that is clouding the surface of the intraocular lens implant, the opthalmologist will perform and quick and painless procedure called a "YAG laser capsulotomy". This can be performed in the doctor's office and effectively restores normal eyesight immediately. The thing about cataracts is that they cannot grow back on an artificial lens, so there is no need to be concerned about that happening.
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