Useful Facts About Cataract Surgery San Antonio TX

By Frank Gray


Cataract surgery is a procedure used in removing the lens of eyes and replacing it with an artificial one. Under normal circumstances the lens is clear but the cataract causes it to become cloudy and in the process vision is affected. The surgery is performed by eye doctors, normally on an outpatient basis. This means one does not need to stay in hospital after surgery. In considering cataract surgery San Antonio TX residents need to know what is involved.

Cataracts might lead to vision that is blurred in addition to increasing glare from light. If they are making it hard for one to work normally, surgery is likely to be the way out. The same will be the case if the condition becomes worse over time. For example, doctors will recommend the surgical procedure in the event that cataracts prevent them from examining the back sections of the eye for any problems.

It is possible that there will be complications during or after the surgical procedure. Most of these are however treatable. Among the possible risks include bleeding, inflammation, glaucoma and vision loss. Risk of complications will be greater in those with eye diseases or chronic ailments. On some occasions, treatment fails to solve the underlying issues owing to underlying eye damage. Underlying issues include glaucoma or macular degeneration.

It is important to prepare for the treatment. One of the preparations involves undergoing tests. Some one week before surgery the doctor will perform painless ultrasound tests so as to measure shape and size of the eye. It will help in determining what lens to use. Doctors may also advise that patients stop taking certain medications which can increase risk of bleeding during treatment. As such, patients are expected to disclose to the doctor any medications they may be taking.

In order to minimize infections, eye drops will be used. Doctors might prescribe antibiotic eye drops that are used two days after treatment. In some cases, patients are supposed to refrain from eating or drinking 12 hours before their surgery. After the surgical procedure, you may have to refrain from some activities. For instance, you will not be required to undertake any activities involving bending and lifting. These should be avoided for two weeks or so.

Almost all patients that undergo eye cataract surgical procedure will be given some artificial lens called intraocular lens. The removal of cataracts is done using several techniques. The first involves use of ultrasound probe to break up the lens being removed. The surgeon will make a tiny incision within the cornea before inserting a probe into the lens. Cataracts are broken by the probe. In order to close the incisions, stitches might be used.

The second surgical procedure involves making an incision in the eye, removing the lens in a single piece. It is a procedure that might require larger incisions. After the removal of cataracts, the artificial lens will be implanted into empty lens capsule.

Following the surgery, one should expect to have improved vision after some few days. In the early stages, vision will be blurred because the eyes will still be adjusting. It is also possible that colors will look brighter during early stages of recovery. Any arising complications should be reported to the surgeon.




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