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Cataract
Treatment
What
does cataract treatment involve?
Cataracts
occur when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy. Cataracts result
in decreased vision and can become progressively worse over
time. Treatment for cataracts is usually optional. It is done
primarily to improve vision and quality of life. In most cases,
the decision to have surgery is the patient's. More rarely,
cataracts may impair the doctor's ability to see or treat other
eye problems. If this is the case, the physician may require
surgery. Possible treatment options for cataracts include surgery
and stronger glasses or bifocals. Patients with cataracts should
discuss these possibilities with their ophthalmologist in order
for the best decision to be made for each individual.
Cataract
Surgery
Cataract
surgery removes the natural, clouded lens
of the eye and replaces it with a clear, artificial one.
It is usually performed under local anesthesia as an outpatient
procedure. The entire process usually takes less than an hour.
There are several variations in both the removal and the replacement
portions of the surgery. The technique used depends on both
the patient and the physician.
Removing
the Lens
·
Extracapsular surgery removes the lens but leaves the
capsule in place. This provides added support and
improves the healing ability of the eye. The most
commonly used type of extracapsular surgery is phacoemulsification
is now the most commonly used version of extracapsular
cataract surgery in the United States. Phacoemulsification
first softens and breaks apart the lens, using ultrasound
technology. The lens is then removed, leaving the capsule
in place.
· Intracapsular surgery removes the entire lens,
including the capsule. This is the least frequently
used technique because of an increased risk of retinal detachment,
swelling, and other complications.
Replacing
the Lens
·
Intraocular lenses (IOLs) replace the natural lens, by
fitting into the lens capsule. They are inserted
through a small incision and unfold inside the eye. Approximately
90% of cataract surgery patients are fitted with IOLs.
· Cataract glasses or contact lenses are used
less often-in about 10% of the cases. Glasses or
contacts are sometimes used for patients who are extremely
nearsighted or who have other eye diseases that make them poor
candidates for IOLs.
What are the risks of cataract surgery?
Cataract
surgery is generally considered to be safe and effective, but
like any surgical procedure, there are certain risks associated
with the procedure. The following is a list of complications
that may occur following cataract surgery and lens implantation:
·
Infection
· Bleeding
· High pressure in the eye
· Problems with the lens (such as damage or displacement)
· Retinal detachment
· Swelling of the cornea
· Drooping eyelids
· Clouding of the cornea
· Blindness
· Loss of the eye
Most
of these complications are very rare. Discussing the surgery
with a qualified ophthalmologist ahead of time and following
the doctor's recommendations may reduce the risk of complications.
Most patients report good results from their surgeries, including
improved vision.
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