Facts About Cataract Surgery San Antonio

By Eloise Hewitt


Cataract surgery is used in removing the lens of the eye and replacing it with artificial ones. Cataracts refer to the clouding of the lens which ideally should always be clear. Eye doctors or ophthalmologists are the specialists who perform the treatment. It is performed on an outpatient basis, meaning that patients do not stay hospitalized after it is done. When considering cataract surgery San Antonio residents have to be conversant with all the details of this procedure. It is a generally safe procedure.

It reaches a level where the clouding makes it impossible for the individual to go about their daily duties, and it is at this time that they will be required to go for surgical operation. Further, at times the condition makes it difficult to treat other eye diseases or infections; hence it would have to be treated first. For instance, the doctor may need to examine the back part of the eye and not be able to do so because of the clouding.

The specific time to have the surgical operation is not that important. In fact, there are patients that take time before seeking treatment. This is because the conditions advances gradually and thus one is able to take time before making the decision to go for surgery. For persons whose vision is still good, treatment may not be necessary for several years. Treatment will be essential when it gets to a level whereby one is not able to see faces clearly, are not able to watch TV comfortably and cannot do such activities as shopping and cooking.

Despite the fact that any complications or risks are uncommon, it is possible that some may be experienced. Some of these include bleeding, swelling, loss of vision, inflammation and retinal detachment among others. There are certain instances in which other underlying conditions will prevent the surgery from improving vision. It is always advisable to treat other eye problems before deciding to treat cataracts.

Some preparation is required before the treatment. Some one week or so before the procedure, there is performance of ultrasound test which is painless. This is used to test the size and shape of the eye. This serves to help determine the right size of lens implants. Further, there are medications that the doctor will advise against. These are those that may increase bleeding during the surgical procedure.

In order that risks during infection may be reduced, eye drops are used. These are applied one or two days before the procedure. There also are instances when the individual may be advised against eating or drinking anything during the day of surgery. The entire procedure is completed in one hour or even less. The eyes get numbed using local anesthesia, with sedatives used for relaxation purposes. Sedation makes people stay awake but feel groggy during the procedure.

The clouded lens is removed and replaced with a clear artificial one. In some instances however, lenses are removed without replacement. Improvement of vision is realized after a few days following treatment. There are periodic visits to the doctor after treatment.

This procedure restores vision successfully in most people that opt for it. Any side effects may be temporary but should be reported to the doctor immediately. Some of the expected complications are increased pressure of the eyes and retinal detachment.




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