A cataract is the term given to the condition in which the eye's lens becomes clouded, resulting in blurry vision. It is most commonly related to advancing age and can occur in one eye or both. In its early stages, new glasses may help, but ultimately the only permanent treatment option is an operation. If considering cataract surgery Orange County patients should first ensure that they know all it entails.
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.
Occasionally surgery will also be indicated when the presence of the cataract impedes the necessary treatment of other eye conditions like macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy. Through regular eye exams the doctor should recognize if operating on the eye is the most appropriate solution. If both eyes require surgery, usually there will be a month or two between each procedure.
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.
Immediately after the surgery, the treated eye will have a patch placed on it and the patient will be told to rest. Once it has been determined that there are no complications, patients can go home as long as they have someone to drive them. Some itchiness, slight discomfort, or liquid discharge may be present for one or two days at most.
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.
Occasionally surgery will also be indicated when the presence of the cataract impedes the necessary treatment of other eye conditions like macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy. Through regular eye exams the doctor should recognize if operating on the eye is the most appropriate solution. If both eyes require surgery, usually there will be a month or two between each procedure.
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.
Immediately after the surgery, the treated eye will have a patch placed on it and the patient will be told to rest. Once it has been determined that there are no complications, patients can go home as long as they have someone to drive them. Some itchiness, slight discomfort, or liquid discharge may be present for one or two days at most.
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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