By Mollie Burton


The procedure in which the lens of the eye is removed and replaced with an artificial one is known as cataract surgery. The lens is removed whenever it gets clouded and thus one is unable to see clearly. The surgical operation is performed by ophthalmologists and is done on an outpatient basis. This means the patients are treated and discharged on the same day. Over the years, it has become a common procedure and is also safe. In considering cataract surgery San Antonio offers many options.

The aim is to get rid of cataracts that are the cause of blurry vision in addition to increasing the effects of light on the eyes. Surgery becomes one of the best treatment options when the cataracts hamper their ability to go about daily tasks. In some cases, cataracts interfere with other forms of eye treatment, which will also call for surgery. An example is when they interfere with examination of back parts of the eye.

Any delays in going for the surgical operation will not have any adverse effects. If anything, it offers individuals the chance to consider the other available options and make an informed decision. Some factors will determine the need for surgery; the ability of the individual to comfortably perform tasks, their ability to watch television or read without problems, whether they can see faces of people clearly and the effect that very bright light has on their eyes.

Any complications that arise after surgery are uncommon and most of them are able to be successfully treated. Some of the risks include bleeding, infection, swelling, retinal detachment, loss of vision and glaucoma. The risks and complications will be greater for people with other eye conditions. There are instances when the treatment fails to improve vision due to underlying eye damage from other conditions.

There are certain preparations before the procedure. One will need to undergo tests one week in advance, notably ultrasound. This is done for measurement of the shape and size of the eye to help in determining type of lens implant to be used. One may also have to stop taking certain medications which may increase risk of bleeding. Eye drops are used in reducing risk of infection. Doctors at times instruct their patients not to drink or eat anything for 12 hours preceding the operation.

The procedure takes a very short time; one or two hours. Eye drops are placed in the eye in order to dilate the pupil. There is then the use of local anesthesia to numb surrounding areas and sedatives for relaxation.

During cataract surgery, there is removal of the lens that is clouded, then implantation of the clear artificial lens. There are certain cases in which cataracts are removed without subsequent implantation of the artificial lens. Vision is expected to improve within a few days after coming from hospital. The vision could be blurry at first but adjusts over time.

The individual should expect some itching for a few days during recovery. Doctors normally advice patients that they should not rub their eyes whenever they itch. Eye patches and protective shields are likely to be required for some time after surgery.




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