The lens of the eye is normally a transparent structure, however sometimes due to aging or injury, it can become clouded, this is referred to as a "cataract". This condition can lead to impaired vision and possibly blindness if untreated. Fortunately, it can be corrected in most cases with an operation. When considering cataract surgery San Antonio TX patients should first find out what's involved in it.
This type of surgery is performed under local anesthetic, and it involves first making a tiny incision on the side of the cornea, often with a laser. Next, a device which generates ultrasonic vibrations is inserted that will cause the diseased lens to break apart into tiny pieces to the point where it is liquified, these particles are then suctioned out. This process is called "phacoemulsification".
The original lens is replaced with an artificial one called an "intraocular lens" which is intended to last indefinitely and does not require any specific measures to maintain it. Intraocular lenses are made out of transparent plastic, acrylic, or silicone materials.
Patients are able to return home an hour or two after the procedure since it is performed on an outpatient basis and generally can be completed in under an hour's time. Most people are awake during the operation but may be given a sedative. The surgeon will only operate on a single eye, so those who require cataract removal in both will need to undergo a second operation several weeks later.
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.
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.
This type of surgery is performed under local anesthetic, and it involves first making a tiny incision on the side of the cornea, often with a laser. Next, a device which generates ultrasonic vibrations is inserted that will cause the diseased lens to break apart into tiny pieces to the point where it is liquified, these particles are then suctioned out. This process is called "phacoemulsification".
The original lens is replaced with an artificial one called an "intraocular lens" which is intended to last indefinitely and does not require any specific measures to maintain it. Intraocular lenses are made out of transparent plastic, acrylic, or silicone materials.
Patients are able to return home an hour or two after the procedure since it is performed on an outpatient basis and generally can be completed in under an hour's time. Most people are awake during the operation but may be given a sedative. The surgeon will only operate on a single eye, so those who require cataract removal in both will need to undergo a second operation several weeks later.
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.
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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