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 procedure consists of extracting the affected lens from the eye and replacing it with an artificial one. If the patient is experiencing difficulty with daily visual activities like reading and driving, usually surgery will be recommended. Patients normally have time to decide if this is the best decision however, since waiting does not generally cause further deterioration.
In some instances removal will be recommended because it may possibly prevent the proper treatment of another eye disorder such as diabetic retinopathy or macular degeneration. Regular eye exams should reveal whether or not surgery is the best course of action. When both eyes need to be operated on, this is usually done a month or two apart.
The most commonly used method of performing this operation is "phacoemulsification" in which an incision is made along the side of the cornea to facilitate removal of the clouded lens. An artificial lens is inserted in place of the natural one, and it is made from clear plastic. Typically this procedure is effective in 90% of patients.
One or two weeks before the operation is scheduled, preparations will be made. The patient will need to undergo tests to evaluate the curve of the cornea and the exact shape and size of the eye, this information is used to select the proper type of artificial lens. Food and drink will not normally not be permitted in the twelve hours before the procedure.
Done as an out-patient operation in a hospital or eye clinic, the patient is usually given a local anesthetic to numb the sensation in the eye although sometimes a general anesthetic will be administered but this is not necessary in most cases. Little pain is involved and the whole procedure generally takes an hour at most.
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.
Instilling eyedrops for a few days as this helps prevent infection and promotes healing. Glasses or an eye shield will also need to be worn and it should be acceptable to resume a moderate level of activity. Regular check-ups will monitor the healing process and in most cases, eight weeks after cataract surgery Orange County patients can look forward to a full recovery.
The surgical procedure consists of extracting the affected lens from the eye and replacing it with an artificial one. If the patient is experiencing difficulty with daily visual activities like reading and driving, usually surgery will be recommended. Patients normally have time to decide if this is the best decision however, since waiting does not generally cause further deterioration.
In some instances removal will be recommended because it may possibly prevent the proper treatment of another eye disorder such as diabetic retinopathy or macular degeneration. Regular eye exams should reveal whether or not surgery is the best course of action. When both eyes need to be operated on, this is usually done a month or two apart.
The most commonly used method of performing this operation is "phacoemulsification" in which an incision is made along the side of the cornea to facilitate removal of the clouded lens. An artificial lens is inserted in place of the natural one, and it is made from clear plastic. Typically this procedure is effective in 90% of patients.
One or two weeks before the operation is scheduled, preparations will be made. The patient will need to undergo tests to evaluate the curve of the cornea and the exact shape and size of the eye, this information is used to select the proper type of artificial lens. Food and drink will not normally not be permitted in the twelve hours before the procedure.
Done as an out-patient operation in a hospital or eye clinic, the patient is usually given a local anesthetic to numb the sensation in the eye although sometimes a general anesthetic will be administered but this is not necessary in most cases. Little pain is involved and the whole procedure generally takes an hour at most.
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.
Instilling eyedrops for a few days as this helps prevent infection and promotes healing. Glasses or an eye shield will also need to be worn and it should be acceptable to resume a moderate level of activity. Regular check-ups will monitor the healing process and in most cases, eight weeks after cataract surgery Orange County patients can look forward to a full recovery.
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