Cataract Surgery Benefits and Side Effects

Although cataracts are frightening, it can be successfully done due to the increase in technology and restore the lost sight. Cataracts are not caused by infections as some people think but they are caused by age. As people age their eyes continue to be clouded and this creates the need for cataract surgery in order to remove the clouding of the eye lens. This kind of surgery entails the process of removing the clouded natural eye lens and replacing them with artificial lens. This process is nowadays very simple to the extent that it is done on outpatient basis and therefore one does not need to spend a night in the hospital for the performance of this surgery. The cloudy eye lens are carefully removed using ultrasound devices that disintegrates the lens into tiny pieces and they are then removed through suction. Instead of using this technique there is an alternative. The alternative is the use of phacoelmulsion procedure to remove the cataracts. This alternative technology is preferred because it leads to quicker healing and reduces those risks associated with cataract surgery. One of such risks is the retina detachment.

Once all the cloudy lens remnants have been removed the specialist places another clear lens behind the pupil and the iris at the same place where the natural affected lens where positioned. The surgeon then completes the entire procedure by closing the incision. For the closure of the incision stitches may be needed or not needed. He then places a protective material over the operated eye in order to protect it against infections during the early stages of recovery.

Types of cataract surgery

Due to the recent technology, cataract surgery has become easier than before. This is due to the introduction of laser cataract surgery technology. This technology has become popular because of its surgery procedure which reduces the use of blades. The technology creates a corneal incision which allows the surgeon to reach the eye lens easily. The technology also fragments the cataracts easily. However, those who embrace the technology have to incur extra cost because the surgeon has to have enough money to buy the laser which cost more than the normal incision tools. Another factor that makes this technology expensive is that the laser requires special maintenance which is also expensive.

Before the surgery is done, a good optometrist performs a thorough examination of the eye to determine its overall status and the recommend whether there is a need of undergoing a cataract surgery or not. He or she should also point out any sensitive risky factors that should not favour the surgery. This prior thorough evaluation is important because it helps the surgeon in deciding the correct amount of inoacular lens to use so that he can provide the best vision to his patient. During the surgery the surgeon can also adjust your short sightedness or long sightedness accordingly. After the surgery you can choose to wear glasses or not. This is because after the surgery the surgeon can also give you a monofocal implants. However, you will need glasses on part- time basis like when reading if the cataract surgery has been done with monofocals. If at all glasses will be needed the surgeon will prescribe a special pair of glasses that will be used for a short period after the surgery. It is good to understand that all these variety of options depend of your amount of money and therefore, the lesser the money the narrower the surgery options.