No-Stitch Cataract Surgery
What is a cataract?
A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of
the eye. The lens focuses light rays on the retina at the back of
the eye to produce a sharp image of what we see. When the lens becomes
cloudy, the light rays cannot pass easily through it, and the image
becomes blurry. Cataracts usually develop as part of the aging process,
but can also come from:
Eye injuries;
Certain diseases;
Medications;
Genetic inheritance.
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How can a cataract be treated?
Surgery is the only way to remove a cataract. There are no medications,
eye drops, exercises or glasses that will cause cataracts to disappear
once they have formed.
In cataract surgery, the cloudy lens is removed from the eye. In
most cases, the focusing power of the natural lens is restored by
replacing it with a permanent intraocular lens implant.
What can I expect if I decide to have surgery?
Before surgery
When you and your ophthalmologist (Eye M.D.) have decided that you
will have your cataract removed, be sure to mention any special
medical risks you may have. Ask your Eye M.D. if you should continue
your usual medications.
Your eye will be measured to determine the proper power of the intraocular
lens that will be placed in your eye during surgery.
The day of surgery
Surgery is usually done on an outpatient basis. You may be asked
to skip breakfast, depending on the time of your surgery. Upon arrival
for surgery, you will be given eye drops, and perhaps medications
to help you relax.
A local anesthetic will make the operation painless. Though you
may see light and movement, you will not be able to see the surgery
while it is happening and will not have to worry about keeping your
eye open or closed.
The skin around your eye will be thoroughly cleansed, and sterile
coverings will be placed around your head. When the operation is
over, the surgeon will often place a shield over your eye.
After a short stay in the outpatient recovery area, you will be
ready to go home. You should plan to have a family member or friend
drive you home. In the event no help is available, transportation
can be arranged prior to the time of your surgery.
Following surgery
You will need to:
Use eye drops as prescribed;
Be careful not to rub or press on your eye;
Use over-the-counter pain medicine if necessary;
Avoid very strenuous activities until the eye has healed;
Continue normal daily activities and moderate exercise;
Ask your doctor when you can begin driving;
Wear eyeglasses or a shield as advised by your doctor. |
How is the surgery done?
Under an operating microscope, a small incision is made into the
eye. Microsurgical instruments are used to fragment and suction
the cloudy lens from the eye. The back membrane of the lens (called
the posterior capsule) is left in place.
A plastic intraocular lens implant will be placed inside the eye
to replace the natural lens that was removed. The incision is so
small that, usually, no sutures are required.
When is laser used?
The posterior capsule sometimes turns cloudy several months or years
after the original cataract operation. If this blurs your vision,
a clear opening can be made painlessly in the center of the membrane
with a laser. Laser surgery is not part of the original cataract
operation.
Will cataract surgery improve my vision?
Over 95% of cataract surgeries improve vision, but a small
number of patients may have problems.
Complications
Infection, bleeding and swelling or detachment of the retina are
some of the more serious complications that may affect your vision.
Call your ophthalmologist immediately if you have any of the following
symptoms after surgery:
Pain not relieved by non-prescription pain medication;
Loss of vision;
Nausea, vomiting or excessive coughing;
Injury to the eye;
Swelling of the eyelids. |
Pre-existing conditions
If the eye is healthy, the chances are excellent that you will have
good vision following removal of your cataract. Problems with the
eye, such as macular degeneration (aging of the retina), glaucoma
and diabetic damage may limit vision after surgery. Even with such
problems, cataract surgery may still be worthwhile.
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