A cataract is a clouding of the lens that covers a person's eye. This lens is normally clear and the clouding can obstruct vision. Not everyone who has cataracts needs to undergo surgery right away, and many people cope with cataracts using glasses or contacts for years after the initial diagnosis. With time, the condition worsens to the point where vision becomes blurry and colors indistinguishable and glasses and contacts no longer work. At this stage, cataract surgery is recommended to correct the problem.
Identification
Cataract surgery is the removal of the cloudy natural lens that covers the eye. Following the removal of the lens, some patients choose to have an intraocular lens (IOL) implanted to help readjust the eyes' ability to focus. There are different types of IOLs that are defined by how they help adjust your focusing ability. Premium types of IOLs, such as the multifocal IOL, will significantly raise the price of the cataract surgery and may not be covered by insurance.
Considerations
According to the Mayo Clinic, at least ninety percent of people who undergo cataract surgery experience improved vision after the procedure.
If you require surgery in both eyes, the procedure will typically be done in separate surgeries.
Following the surgery, you will need to wear an eye patch to keep the eye clean. You should also make sure to keep the eye free of water, dirt and other debris for at least one week. Also during this one week period, heavily lifting and straining should be avoided, as it puts additional stress on the eye.
Preparation
Prior to surgery, you will be seen by an ophthalmologist who will measure your eye. You will also be subjected to an eye exam to determine the proper strength level of the IOL.
The day of the surgery, you should not wear any eye make-up.
Procedure
The surgery itself is an outpatient procedure, meaning that you should be released the same day you have surgery. There is no need for an overnight stay.
The doctor will administer an anesthetic and eye drops to help dilate your pupils. Sometimes an additional sedative is administered as well.
The first step to the surgery is the cleaning of your eye, followed by the construction of a sterile covering over your eye, head and face.
The lens is then removed. This can be accomplished in one of two ways. Either the cloudy lens is suctioned out of the eye as the lens is sonically broken into small pieces, or the lens is first broken into small pieces manually and removed piece by piece.
The final step in the surgery is to insert the IOL.
Warning
Make sure your eye doctor knows which medications you are on. Certain drugs have been known to have side effects that have complicated cataract surgery. Flomax is a definite high risk drug that has been linked to increased complications following surgery.
After surgery, most incisions will heal without a problem. However, infections and complications may occur.
The build up of pressure may become severe in the eye, leading to Glaucoma. This will require further medical treatment.
Tags: broken into, broken into small, cataract surgery, glasses contacts, into small