Do You Need Cataract Surgery?

I hope that this information about Cataract Surgery will put your mind at rest.

The most common ailment of the eye, which can ultimately lead to Loss of Vision, are Cataracts.

There’s a popular misconception that a cataract is growth or film over the eyes.

Not at all.

It is a condition in which the lens within the eye just behind the colored iris and the pupil slowly changes its composition from clear and transparent to become cloudy, spotty and opaque.

When that happens its like trying to see through a steamed up and or painted splattered windowpane.

The Cataract Surgery:

A tiny incision is made in the white of the eye adjacent to the Cornea.

Through this opening a small tool is inserted to peel off the front of the lens removing part of the skin like taking the skin off a grape, to expose the cataract.

Then the cataract is bombarded with ultrasound vibrations through a small probe to reduce it to tiny particles – emulsify it, phacoemulsification.

A tiny vacuum tube withdraws the emulsified material.

A plastic substitute lens (IOL) is slid into place in the pocket formed by the leftover lens capsule.

The required dioptric power of the plastic lens has been determine previously by ultrasound or laser.

After most surgeries the incision is sutured closed.

Sometimes a stitch less method is employed. The entire procedure takes about 20 to 30 minutes and is done on an outpatient basis.

Sound pretty simple, and usually everything works out quite well.

However, anytime you get involved with a surgical procedure on individuals who are older and probable not in top physical condition, there are risks and chances of complications.

The primary risk is undergoing a cataract operation when there are other eye conditions or diseases present.

Glaucoma, Macular Degeneration and Diabetic Retinopathy are the most usual companions to Cataracts , and the benefit/risk has to be carefully evaluated.

As an example, it may be necessary to remove the cataract to treat a diabetic retinopathy, but removing the cataract may worsen the original condition.

Postoperative calamities range from infections to bleeding to corneal damage.

These complications can be very serious but fortunately, are infrequent.

A fairly common sequel is the clouding or hazing of the posterior capsule the leftover skin, the so-called second cataract.

A laser beam is usually employed to clear away that area, but can, in turn lead to other complications.

This brings up the subject of finding a good ophthalmic surgeon to do the cataract surgery once you and your optometrist deem it necessary.

The best source, obviously, is the recommendation of you optometrist.

He or she has probable seen may patients after the cataract extraction and has a good idea of the competence and track recorded of the particular ophthalmologist.

Cataract surgery has become big, big business in the United Sates.

About 1 ½ million are performed every year.

Medicare pays for most of them with an annual price tag of billions of dollars.

What happens when that much money is tossed around?

“Cataract Centers” are born.

You’ve undoubtedly heard and seen the advertisements for these places.

Some will pick you up in a car or bus and deliver you home afterwards; some promise that it wont cost you anything except co-payment, etc. in small print or quick speaks.

There are two ways to look at these enterprises:

1. Because they do so many cataract surgeries, they are very proficient at it.
2. Because they must work on a large volume, the individual concern and aftercare could be less than you deserve.

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Cataract Surgery to Cataract Information

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