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 procedure is termed a "phacoemulsification" and is usually done with a local anesthetic. A surgical laser is used to make a small incision in the side of the cornea in order that an ultrasound device can be inserted which will emit vibrations that cause the diseased lens to disintegrate into tiny particles which are then suctioned out of the site.
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.
A cataract operation is typically an outpatient procedure, and the patient can return home shortly after. It is normally completed in less than an hour, and in most instances the patient remains awake but sedated throughout the procedure. Surgeons prefer to only operate on one eye at a time, so if the patient has cataracts in both eyes, two surgeries will be needed, usually several weeks apart.
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 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.
A simple, painless, in-office procedure called "YAG laser capsulotomy" is used to correct this issue if it occurs. This is carried out with a special laser device that removes the excess cell growth which is clouding the lens, which restores the patient's vision. It only takes a few seconds to do this procedure. A cataract cannot grow back once an intra-ocular lens is implanted however.
This procedure is termed a "phacoemulsification" and is usually done with a local anesthetic. A surgical laser is used to make a small incision in the side of the cornea in order that an ultrasound device can be inserted which will emit vibrations that cause the diseased lens to disintegrate into tiny particles which are then suctioned out of the site.
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.
A cataract operation is typically an outpatient procedure, and the patient can return home shortly after. It is normally completed in less than an hour, and in most instances the patient remains awake but sedated throughout the procedure. Surgeons prefer to only operate on one eye at a time, so if the patient has cataracts in both eyes, two surgeries will be needed, usually several weeks apart.
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 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.
A simple, painless, in-office procedure called "YAG laser capsulotomy" is used to correct this issue if it occurs. This is carried out with a special laser device that removes the excess cell growth which is clouding the lens, which restores the patient's vision. It only takes a few seconds to do this procedure. A cataract cannot grow back once an intra-ocular lens is implanted however.
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