Important Information About Cataract Surgery Orange County Residents Need To Know

By Margarita Joseph


Cataract surgery is commonly recommended for those individuals whose natural eye lenses have been clouded leading to impaired vision or complete loss of vision. This surgical procedure facilitates the replacement of the natural lens with an artificially prepared one that is transparent in order to restore vision. The medical experts who specialize in the provision of eye care are referred to as ophthalmologist and is usually an outpatient procedure. The nature of cataract surgery Orange county patients access is highly specialized.

There are various symptoms that are used to establish the presence of cataracts. These include difficulties in recognizing colors, glare, blurred vision, double vision and frequent change of eye glasses and contact lenses, poor vision during the night among others. When these symptoms are experienced it is highly advised to seek medical attention since they may be signs of other eye complications.

In the early stages these symptoms can be improved with anti-glare sunglasses, new eye glasses, brighter lighting or magnifying glasses. In case these measures then surgery is the only alternative. This is performed after careful consideration of a number of factors and briefing the patient on the various potential risks. If this procedure is delayed, it may cause long term damage to the eye.

Prior to the operation, the ophthalmologist or optometrist performs a comprehensive eye scan to evaluate the overall health of the eye. They also seek to establish conditions that may limit the candidacy of an individual for the process and any risk factors present. Refraction is performed to determine the exact amount of astigmatism, farsightedness and nearsightedness. Additional measurements of the eyes are taken to determine the length and curvature of the eye.

One advantage of this surgery is that is very quick. The time taken by the patients to recover is also reasonable which may even be a single day. The procedure itself takes about 30 to 40 minutes and the outcome is immediate with individuals being able to see clearly. Cases involving both eyes are dealt with as separate sessions.

Today, technological advancements have led to the discovery of numerous techniques that employ ultra sound techniques with a very high frequency to break the cataracts. These are then removed through suction mechanisms. A common technique is referred to as phacoemulsification which is performed through making some incisions. The healing is faster and the negative effects are few. All the remnants are removed and the eye cleaned before the insertion of the lens is done.

The risks that are known to result from this treatment are few. Some of those at a greater risk are children and individuals affected with certain conditions. These include advanced glaucoma, serious myopia and those who have been treated using certain medications before. Posterior capsule opacification affects a large majority of patients and can oly be rectified through laser surgery.

During the first week of the recovery period after  residents are required to take certain precautions. The patients are advised to avoid heavy lifting and any strenuous activity. Bending, exercises and other activities that are likely to stress the eye during the healing process are highly discouraged. Splashing water into the eye may lead to infections. Patients are advised to try as much as possible to stay away from dust, grime and other contaminants.


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