Explain Cataract Surgery
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What Is a Cataract?
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A cataract is a cloudy area of the lens in the eye that results in diminished vision. Cataracts are more common as you age. According to the National Eye Institute, more than half of all Americans have a cataract or surgery for a cataract by the age of 80. In cataract surgery, an ophthalmologist removes the lens from your eye, and usually replaces it with an artificial lens.
Do You Need Surgery?
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Your doctor may recommend surgery if a cataract is interfering with day-to-day activities. Surgery may also be recommended if a cataract is interfering with treatment of another eye problem, such as retinal detachment, diabetic retinopathy or macular degeneration. You may want to consider surgery if you are having difficulty driving, reading or watching television, or if your vision problems are affecting your level of independence.
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Types of Surgery
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Cataract surgery is fairly common and is considered one of the safest and most effective medical procedures. There are three options for removing your cataract. The most common type of procedure is called phacoemulsification, and it involves cutting a small incision on the side of the cornea. Since the incision is an eighth of an inch or smaller, healing is rapid. Extracapsular surgery requires a larger incision and is usually done outside the United States. Intracapsular surgery is the oldest type of cataract surgery. In this type of surgery, both the natural lens and the capsule (the back layer of the lens) that hold it in place are removed. The larger incision and required sutures carry a greater risk of complications, so this type of surgery is rarely performed today.
What to Expect
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Cataract surgery is typically done on an outpatient basis. The procedure usually takes an hour or less. Eye drops will be placed in your eye to dilate the pupil. The area is numbed with local anesthetics, and your doctor may give you a sedative to help you relax. During surgery, the clouded lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens.
Recovery
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After surgery, the doctor will place a protective patch over your eye. You will need someone to drive you home. Your doctor will give you instructions to administer eye drops several times a day during the first few days after surgery. For about a week, you will need to wear your protective patch while sleeping, and you will need to wear sunglasses in bright light. Avoid strenuous activity for the first week, and avoid allowing water or chemicals to splash in your eye.
Warning
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Call your doctor if you experience vision loss, increased eye redness, nausea, vomiting or excess coughing after cataract surgery. You should also notify the doctor if you experience pain that persists after taking over-the-counter medication.
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