What To Know About Cataract Surgery San Antonio

By Leslie Ball


There are a lot of problems that may arise in the eyes, especially as people age. Cataract is a medical term that is used to describe a cloudy lens over the eye. In most people, this part of the eye has a naturally clear lens. Typically the problem developed because of aging, but sometimes it is present and birth or develops sooner because of drug, physical or chemical injury. Cataract surgery San Antonio is available to those residing in San Antonio, TX.

This is a common operation done around the world, especially in the United States. It is known to be effective for clearing up the cloudiness that comes with this condition. During the procedure, the cloudy lens is cleaned out or removed and replaced by a clear lens that is man-made.

Most surgeries of this type are done with a method called phacoemulsification or small cut surgery. The incision or cut can be small. This is because the hard center of a lens will be liquefied and then removed with a vacuum device. Patients are put under local anesthesia during the process and the surgeon will start the surgery process by making a small opening to the side of the cornea.

A device that utilizes special vibrations is inserted inside the eye and to break the cloudy lens into tiny pieces. These fragments can then be removed via the tiny incision in the eye, using a suction device. Eye doctors might also employ a laser to make the original cut. This is done with the hope that it can improve the recovery process.

Once the cataract is taken out, the doctor will typically replace it with a man-made lens known as IOL or intraocular lens. This process is called intraocular lens implantation. An IOL is clear silicone, plastic or acrylic with a specific optical power that the doctor will select for each patient. This is done to get normal vision back and can minimize the need for eyeglasses following this surgery. The lens is permanent and requires no special care. The IOL also works to focus light on the retina, which can improve vision.

This is often done as an outpatient service that typically lasts less than one hour and is carried out in an operating room. Patients are not expected to stay at the hospital following their procedure. People should take the time to find the best surgeons available in the area. Consider their costs, available services, accepted insurances, and reviews and ratings.

Generally speaking, doctor will not remove cataracts from both eyes in the same operation. If there is a need for this in both eyes, patients will need to schedule two separate surgeries, typically a few weeks apart. Surgeons will give patients all the details they should know about this process, including after-care solutions.

People should always follow surgeon orders. Furthermore, they should take the time to do their own research to learn about what this procedure involves. As with any medical procedures, there are potential risks and long-term effects worth knowing.




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