Cataract Surgery San Antonio TX

By Frank Gray


Cataract surgery is the procedure in which there is removal of lens of eyes which is replaced with one that is artificial. Normally, lens are supposed to be clear but cataracts make them to be cloudy, affecting vision in the process. Surgery is performed by ophthalmologists on an outpatient basis. Being done on an outpatient basis means the patient leaves hospital as soon as the procedure is done. When considering cataract surgery San Antonio TX residents ought to understand what the procedure involves.

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.

There are possible complications of the procedure, with most being treatable. Some of the risks include inflammation, bleeding, swelling, glaucoma and loss of vision. The possibility of complications is greater if one has eye disease or serious medical conditions. On occasions, the treatment might fail to improve vision because of underlying damage to eyes. These include conditions such as macular degeneration and glaucoma.

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.

When eye drops are used, they reduce chances of infections. This is why the doctor might prescribe antibiotic eye drops a couple of days after surgery. You may also be instructed not to drink or eat anything 12 hours before treatment. After undergoing the surgical procedure, some daily activities might be limited, including lifting and bending. They will be limited for two weeks or so after treatment.

Almost all people that have undergone the treatment will be given artificial lens called an intraocular lens. There are a number of surgical techniques used to remove cataracts. The first involves the use of ultrasound probes for breaking up lens that will be removed. Surgeons will make a tiny opening at the cornea before inserting a probe within the lens substance. Cataracts are broken using the probe. In order to close the incisions made earlier, stitching will 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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