|
Cataract Surgery
 The symptoms of early
cataract may be improved with new
eyeglasses, brighter lighting, anti-glare sunglasses, or
magnifying lenses. If these measures do not help,
surgery is the only effective treatment. Surgery
involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with
an artificial lens.
A cataract needs to be removed only when vision loss
interferes with your everyday activities, such as
driving, reading, or watching TV. You and your eye care
professional can make this decision together. Once you
understand the benefits and risks of surgery, you can
make an informed decision about whether cataract surgery
is right for you. In most cases, delaying cataract
surgery will not cause long-term damage to your eye or
make the surgery more difficult. You do not have to rush
into surgery.
Sometimes a cataract should be removed even if it does
not cause problems with your vision. For example, a
cataract should be removed if it prevents examination or
treatment of another eye problem, such as macular degeneration or
diabetic retinopathy. If your
eye care professional finds a cataract, you may not need
cataract surgery for several years. In fact, you might
never need cataract surgery. By having your vision
tested regularly, you and your eye care professional can
discuss if and when you might need treatment.
If you have cataracts in both eyes that require surgery,
the surgery will be performed on each eye at separate
times.
Many people who need cataract surgery also have other
eye conditions, such as age-related macular degeneration
or glaucoma. If you have other eye conditions in
addition to cataract, talk with Dr. Berger. Learn
about the risks, benefits, alternatives, and expected
results of cataract surgery.
What are the different types of cataract
surgery?
There are two types of cataract surgery. Your doctor can
explain the differences and help determine which is
better for you:
 Phacoemulsification, or phaco.
A small incision is made
on the side of the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped
surface that covers the front of the eye. Your doctor
inserts a tiny probe into the eye. This device emits
ultrasound waves that soften and break up the lens so
that it can be removed by suction. Most cataract surgery
today is done by phacoemulsification, also called "small
incision cataract surgery."
After the natural lens has been removed, it often is
replaced by an artificial lens, called an
intraocular
lens (IOL). An IOL is a clear, plastic lens that
requires no care and becomes a permanent part of your
eye. Light is focused clearly by the IOL onto the
retina, improving your vision. You will not feel or see
the new lens.
Some people cannot have an IOL. They may have another
eye disease or have problems during surgery. For these
patients, a soft contact lens, or glasses that provide
high magnification, may be suggested.
What are the risks of cataract surgery?
As with any surgery, cataract surgery poses risks, such
as infection and bleeding. Before cataract surgery, your
doctor may ask you to temporarily stop taking certain
medications that increase the risk of bleeding during
surgery. After surgery, you must keep your eye clean,
wash your hands before touching your eye, and use the
prescribed medications to help minimize the risk of
infection. Serious infection can result in loss of
vision.
Is cataract surgery effective?
Cataract removal is one of the most common operations
performed in the United States. It also is one of the
safest and most effective types of surgery. In about 90
percent of cases, people who have cataract surgery have
better vision afterward.
What happens before surgery?
A week or two before surgery, your doctor will do some
tests. These tests may include measuring the curve of
the cornea and the size and shape of your eye. This
information helps your doctor choose the
right type of
IOL.
What happens during surgery?
At the hospital or eye clinic, drops will be put into
your eye to dilate the pupil. The area around your eye
will be washed and cleansed.
The operation usually lasts less than one hour and is
almost painless. Many people choose to stay awake during
surgery. Others may need to be put to sleep for a short
time.
If you are awake, you will have an anesthetic to numb
the nerves in and around your eye.
After the operation, a patch may be placed over your
eye. You will rest for a while. Your medical team will
watch for any problems, such as bleeding. Most people
who have cataract surgery can go home the same day. You
will need someone to drive you home.
What happens after surgery?
Itching and mild discomfort are normal after cataract
surgery. Some fluid discharge is also common. Your eye
may be sensitive to light and touch. If you have
discomfort, your doctor can suggest treatment. After one
or two days, moderate discomfort should disappear.
For a few days after surgery, your doctor may ask you to
use eyedrops to help healing and decrease the risk of
infection. Ask your doctor about how to use your
eyedrops, how often to use them, and what effects they
can have. You will need to wear an eye shield or
eyeglasses to help protect your eye. Avoid rubbing or
pressing on your eye.
When you are home, try not to bend from the waist to
pick up objects on the floor. Do not lift any heavy
objects. You can walk, climb stairs, and do light
household chores.
In most cases, healing will be complete within eight
weeks. Your doctor will schedule exams to check on your
progress.
Can problems develop after surgery?
Problems after surgery are rare, but they can occur.
These problems can include infection, bleeding,
inflammation (pain, redness, swelling), loss of vision,
double vision, and high or low eye pressure. With prompt
medical attention, these problems can usually be treated
successfully.
Sometimes the eye tissue that encloses the IOL becomes
cloudy and may blur your vision. This condition is
called an after-cataract. An after-cataract can develop
months or years after cataract surgery.
 An after-cataract is treated with a laser. Your doctor
uses a laser to make a tiny hole in the eye tissue
behind the lens to let light pass through. This
outpatient procedure is called a YAG laser capsulotomy.
It is painless and rarely results in increased eye
pressure or other eye problems. As a precaution, your
doctor may give you eyedrops to lower your eye pressure
before or after the procedure.
When will my vision be normal again?
You can return quickly to many everyday activities, but
your vision may be blurry. The healing eye needs time to
adjust so that it can focus properly with the other eye,
especially if the other eye has a cataract. Ask your
doctor when you can resume driving.
If you received an IOL, you may notice that colors are
very bright. The IOL is clear, unlike your natural lens
that may have had a yellowish/brownish tint. Within a
few months after receiving an IOL, you will become used
to improved color vision. Also, when your eye heals, you
may need new glasses or contact lenses.
|
