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Eye Cataract Surgery: What to Expect Before, During and After the Procedure

Posted on October 14, 2010 Written by admin

Some people are reluctant to undergo eye cataract surgery. Having a procedure performed on the eyes can sound downright uncomfortable. In reality, medical advances have made this a very common, simple procedure. The first step of eye cataract surgery is to have a standard eye examination and consultation with an eye doctor. During this time, the patient can discuss their concerns, questions, and habit or medical issues that should be mentioned prior to undergoing eye cataract surgery.

During the Procedure

The patient arrives, often after a fast and without any kind of make up on around the eye region. The pupils are dilated with eye drops and the face and the eye and face is sterilized and covered. Eye cataract surgery involves small, delicate incisions made into the eye to remove the cloudy obstruction. Another approach to eye cataract surgery is to use an ultrasound device that breaks up the obstruction and suctions it up as it comes off of the eye.

After the Procedure

Immediately after eye cataract surgery, the surgeon will cover eye with a patch or shield. The patient will not be able to operate a vehicle, so travel arrangements should be made beforehand. The surgeon will prescribe eye drops to be used multiple times per day for a few weeks. The protective eye covering will have to be worn for about a week. Patients should not expect perfect eye sight immediately after eye cataract surgery. During the healing phase, vision may be blurred. As long as the patient follows the surgeon’s recommendations after eye cataract surgery, they will have an easy, full recovery.

Should You Have Surgery for Eye Cataracts?

Posted on October 14, 2010 Written by admin

Eye cataracts can become a serious problem that will eventually cause blindness. Some patients are willing to deal with the loss, deeming it a normal part of getting older. Medical treatment today is not the same as it was a decade ago. Patients now have more options that can help them regain their ability to function independently.

Eye Cataracts and Surgery

Surgery is available for patients with advanced eye cataracts development. Most eye doctors will only recommend surgery when the patient is suffering from severe vision loss that is altering their daily habits and ability to function. Although any surgery is a major undertaking, eye cataracts surgery is actually not as intrusive as it sounds.

Patients that decide to move forward with cataracts surgery can begin to regain their lost vision. The procedure has become very common place in the United States. A vast majority of patients that opt to have cataracts surgery develop good vision, and in some cases, perfect vision.

In a nutshell, eye cataracts surgery involves the removal of the existing, clouded lens. This is replaced with a clear IOL or plastic intraocular lens. Every year brings new developments that improve IOLs and make the procedure even easier for the patient and surgeon. There is no reason for patients with severe cataracts to continue to suffer with vision loss when a relatively simple surgical procedure can correct all or most of the problem.

Cataracts of the Eye: Are You at Risk?

Posted on October 14, 2010 Written by admin

Cataracts of the eye are one of the most common health problems that are often associated with growing older. Many people resign themselves to vision loss as they age. While age does have an impact on the likeliness of cataract development, there are other factors that can also increase the chances of experiencing cataracts of the eye. In some cases, these could be factors that the patient has the opportunity to change long before they turn into a severe vision problem.

Diabetes and Cataract Development

Diabetes is often linked to the formation of cataracts of the eye. By practicing good eating and health habits before diabetes becomes a problem, patients may be able to lower the risk of cataracts and many other diabetes-related health concerns. Although obesity and lack of exercise are two causes, they are not the only causes. Patients who eat well and are not overweight can still develop diabetes. In these situations, controlling the problem and adhering to regular follow up visits with your physician can help you stay healthy and slow the development of other problems that can stem from diabetes.

Eye Injuries and Infection

A past injury or infection can sometimes lead to cataracts of the eye. In cases of trauma, it is vital that the patient follow their physician’s recommendations for proper healing. Although this may not completely eliminate the potential for a cataract, it can help reduce the chances and allow the eye to recover fully. Poor healing or a scar can lead to cataracts of the eye and the eventual loss of vision.

Medications and Exposure to Toxic Substances

Some experts believe that specific medications and exposure to toxic substances can cause cataracts of the eye to form. These include diuretics and steroids as well as radiation and ultraviolet light. Patients should reduce exposure or talk to their doctor about the medications they take to discuss the likeliness of developing cataracts of the eye.

Cataracts Symptoms

Posted on October 14, 2010 Written by admin

If you suspect that you are suffering from cataracts symptoms, then it may be time to contact your eye doctor. Cataracts can cause vision impairment and, if left untreated, eventually lead to total blindness. This problem will not get better on its own, and will eventually extend throughout the eye.

The Early Stages

Severe cataracts symptoms do not appear overnight. At first, the patient may notice a little blurring. This is often explained as looking through cloudy glass. Light will also seem more intense than it once did. Even the manmade light inside your home may begin to appear to be too bright. Many early cataracts symptoms sufferers also notice an additional glare from headlights when driving.

Later Stages of Cataracts Symptoms

Over time, cataracts symptoms will intensify. The patient will notice significant blurring and begin to lose vision all together. The eye will also appear physically changed, with a milky appearance as clarity is lost. Certain types of cataracts will progress differently. Patients experiencing a nuclear cataract may notice their vision temporarily improving. This improvement is often referred to as second sight. Eventually the improvement will revert as the cataract grows.

Anyone who suspects they may be developing a cataract should contact their eye doctor right away. Cataracts symptoms can become a hazard as vision is impaired. A treatment could help slow the development of cataracts while some patients prefer to undergo surgery which can repair the problem. Early diagnosis can help a patient come up with an ideal treatment and avoid the challenges that come with vision loss from cataracts symptoms.

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