General Information About Cataract Surgery Orange County Residents Need To Know

By Andrea Davidson


Cataract surgery is performed to remove a cloudy lens and replace it with a synthetic one that is more clear and transparent. It is performed by an eye specialist referred to as an ophthalmologist. It is a safe surgical procedure used to improve vision. Cataracts increase glare from lights and cause blurry vision. They are common in people with macular degeneration that results from aging, and diabetic retinopathy. After cataract surgery Orange County residents acquire improved vision which allows them to lead a better life.

There are several symptoms that are common indicators of cataracts. These include poor night vision, cloudy or blurry vision, glare, double vision and multiple images in a single eye, frequent prescription changes in contact lenses or eye glasses and colors may appear faded. These symptoms may also be a sign of other eye problems. A comprehensive eye examination is necessary to detect cataracts. Some of the tests that are performed include tonometry, visual acuity test and dilated eye exam.

There are a number of things that can be done to provide a relief on the onset of symptoms. They can be controlled using better eye glasses, magnifying glasses, better lighting conditions or anti-glare glasses. If the condition persists then it is advisable to seek specialized medical attention. The patient is examined and briefed on various aspects of the procedure. These include benefits, possible complications, and expected results among others.

Prior to the surgery, a comprehensive eye scan is performed to evaluate the structure and the overall health of the eye. It also helps to identify risk factors and any conditions that may limit the candidacy of the patient for the operation. Ophthalmologists perform refraction to measure the exact farsightedness, nearsightedness and astigmatism. Other measurements include the length and curvature of the eye.

It is one of the most common and quickest surgical procedures. The time taken to recover is short and most people return to work in about 24 hours after this operation. The session lasts for about thirty minutes and vision is restored immediately. In cases where a patient has cataracts in both eyes, the two surgeries are performed in separate sessions.

Today, technological advancements have led to the emergence of phacoemulsification which involves the use of high-frequency ultrasound probes to break the cloudy lens into smaller pieces which are then removed with suction. Compared to other surgical procedures for cataract removal, it is performed with smaller incisions thus promoting faster healing and reducing the risk of complications. Once the remnants have been removed, the lens is inserted and positioned correctly.

Complications after this procedure are uncommon. However, there are certain individuals who are at a greater risk. These include children and individuals suffering from severe myopia, diabetic retinopathy or advanced glaucoma. Those with a history of using certain drugs are also at a greater risk. Other complications include inflammation, eye infection, cornea injuries and retinal detachment. Posterior capsule opacification is corrected through laser surgery.

After cataract surgery Orange County residents are advised to take certain precautions to promote faster healing. Some of the things to be avoided include strenuous activities, heavy lifting, bending and physical exercises. It is also important to avoid coming into contact with contaminants such as grime, dirt and water which may cause infections.




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