When the lens in the eye becomes clouded this is known as a cataract and it negatively affects vision by causing images to appear blurry. It may occur in both eyes or just one and is most often related to aging. Initially it can sometimes be improved by a new eyeglasses prescription, although in many cases surgery is the only real long-term solution. Before undergoing cataract surgery Orange County patients need to be aware of all it involves.
The surgical treatment of cataracts involves removing the damaged lens and putting an artificial one its place. This is generally indicated when the patient's daily visual ability is being hindered and it is impairing his or her activities such as driving and reading. It is not necessary to hurry into this procedure, the patient can take his or her time to decide if it's the right decision.
Presence of conditions like diabetic retinopathy or macular degeneration may also indicate the need for cataract removal. If the patient attends regular eye exams, it will become apparent if surgical correction is suitable. In cases where cataracts need to be removed from both eyes, they will be done separately, with a month or two in between.
There are different methods of performing this operation but the most common one used is referred to as "phacoemulsification". An incision is made in the side of the cornea and the damaged lens is removed by suction. The artificial lens replacing the natural one is manufactured out of clear plastic. In about 90% of patients this procedure is a success.
Preparation for the surgery is started a week or two before it is scheduled. Tests will be done to assess the size and shape of the patient's eye and the curve of the cornea, as this information will be needed for selecting the correct artificial lens. Usually the patient will not be permitted to eat or drink anything for twelve hours prior to the operation.
The patient will be treated on an out-patient basis at an eye clinic or hospital. A local anesthetic to numb the feeling in the eye is usually all that's needed but in some instances a general anesthesia may be given. The whole procedure takes about an hour and very little pain is involved.
Following the operation, a patch will be positioned over the treated eye and the patient will be ordered to rest awhile. If no problems are apparent, patients will be able to go home shortly after provided they have a ride. It's normal to expect some minor discomfort and itching or fluid discharge in the eye afterwards but this should dissipate after a day or two.
Eyedrops will need to be administered for several days to promote healing and prevent infection and the eye should be protected with glasses or an eye patch. Light, moderate activity may be resumed and in eight weeks following cataract surgery Orange County patients should expect a full recovery. The healing process will be monitored by routine check-ups throughout this period.
The surgical treatment of cataracts involves removing the damaged lens and putting an artificial one its place. This is generally indicated when the patient's daily visual ability is being hindered and it is impairing his or her activities such as driving and reading. It is not necessary to hurry into this procedure, the patient can take his or her time to decide if it's the right decision.
Presence of conditions like diabetic retinopathy or macular degeneration may also indicate the need for cataract removal. If the patient attends regular eye exams, it will become apparent if surgical correction is suitable. In cases where cataracts need to be removed from both eyes, they will be done separately, with a month or two in between.
There are different methods of performing this operation but the most common one used is referred to as "phacoemulsification". An incision is made in the side of the cornea and the damaged lens is removed by suction. The artificial lens replacing the natural one is manufactured out of clear plastic. In about 90% of patients this procedure is a success.
Preparation for the surgery is started a week or two before it is scheduled. Tests will be done to assess the size and shape of the patient's eye and the curve of the cornea, as this information will be needed for selecting the correct artificial lens. Usually the patient will not be permitted to eat or drink anything for twelve hours prior to the operation.
The patient will be treated on an out-patient basis at an eye clinic or hospital. A local anesthetic to numb the feeling in the eye is usually all that's needed but in some instances a general anesthesia may be given. The whole procedure takes about an hour and very little pain is involved.
Following the operation, a patch will be positioned over the treated eye and the patient will be ordered to rest awhile. If no problems are apparent, patients will be able to go home shortly after provided they have a ride. It's normal to expect some minor discomfort and itching or fluid discharge in the eye afterwards but this should dissipate after a day or two.
Eyedrops will need to be administered for several days to promote healing and prevent infection and the eye should be protected with glasses or an eye patch. Light, moderate activity may be resumed and in eight weeks following cataract surgery Orange County patients should expect a full recovery. The healing process will be monitored by routine check-ups throughout this period.
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