Before Undergoing Cataract Surgery San Antonio Patients Should Know What To Expect

By Coleen Torres


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.

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".

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.

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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