Cataract surgery iTunes Download

What is cataract surgery and how is it performed?

A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens in the eye. The lens is located behind the pupil and the colored part of the eye. It acts like a camera lens to focus images. When the lens becomes cloudy it will gradually affect vision.

Cataract surgery is the replacement of a clouded lens with a clear artificial one. The procedure is done as an outpatient and takes less than an hour. It is done under local anesthesia (awake but pain free).

During the procedure The doctor will make a small incision (cut) in the eye and insert use an instrument called a probe that to break up the cataract using ultrasound waves. If your cataract is too advanced to be broken up in this way, your surgeon may make a slightly larger incision and remove the lens. In either case The capsule of the lens is left behind and the new artificial lens is inserted.

There are several types of lenses that can be used. Recently lenses that filter out ultraviolet light or ones that give different types of visual options have been introduced. You should discuss these choices with your doctor.

Why is the procedure performed?

Cataract surgery has proven to be is a safe and effective way to improve vision that is compromised due to cataracts. Cataracts can be congenital or hereditary. They can be caused by trauma or diabetes, but by far the most common cause is aging. About 75% of people will have some cataract formation by the age of 75.

Cataracts grow slowly and it does not harm the eye to leave them alone. It may be many years from the time a cataract is diagnosed until surgery is needed. Most people who have a cataract will develop them in both eyes (bilaterally). If you have cataracts in both eyes your doctor will operate on then one at a time. Complications are rare. and the operation is successful about 95% of the time.

What should I expect during the post-operative period?

You will be able to go home after surgery but you will need a driver. Although the procedure is not painful, you may have itching and mild discomfort for a few days. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops for several weeks.

Depending on the type of incision used, you may also need to wear an eye shield, especially at night. Avoid rubbing the eye or putting any pressure on it during the first few weeks. You may resume most normal activities on the day after surgery but avoid bending and lifting for a few days.

Your vision will probably seem much better right away or by the day after surgery. You can go ahead and read, watch TV, and resume driving on the day after surgery. Complete healing takes about 8 weeks, and you should wait until then to get a final prescription for glasses. Most patients will need glasses after surgery.

What are the risks and complications of this procedure?

Just as there may be benefits to the procedure(s) proposed, medical and surgical procedures also involve risks. These risks include allergic reaction, bleeding, blood clots, infections, adverse side effects of drugs, blindness, and even loss of bodily function or life, as well as risks of transfusion reactions and the transmission of infectious disease, including hepatitis and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, from the administration of blood and/or blood components.

There are also particular risks associated with the procedure(s) proposed. These risks include but are not limited to:

Minor complications include:

• Minor bleeding
• Inflammation
• Gaucoma and infection

These rare and treatable. If at any time in the post-operative period you experience visual loss, pain, discharge or redness, flashes of light, or nausea and vomiting you should call your doctor.

• Second cataract: This condition occurs when the lens capsule that was left to support the implant becomes clouded. A simple office procedure can correct this problem.

Serious complications:

• Rarely, bleeding into the inside of the eye and retinal detachment may occur and can cause irreversible loss of vision.

Before you agree to any operative procedure it is important to remember that each patient is different and that the outcome of any surgical procedure can never be guaranteed. You should understand that there may be complications that have not been mentioned and that it is not possible to anticipate all complications or to answer each and every question. Again, you should be aware that in the practice of medicine unforeseen and unexpected risks or complications not previously discussed may occur. You should also understand that during the course of the proposed procedure(s), unforeseen conditions may be revealed requiring the performance of additional procedures, and such procedures may need to be performed.

Keep in mind that there is no substitute for an open and honest discussion with your own surgeon/physician regarding this procedure.

You should also be given any available treatment alternatives to this procedure by your doctor. Be sure to discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor.

MD Kiosk, Copyright 2007