CATARACT EXTRACTION

A cataract is a clouding of the eye's lens that can cause vision change. Cataracts form very slowly and may not cause noticeable changes in vision at first. As the cataract gets worse, new eyeglasses or brighter lights may help improve vision. When the vision is bad enough to interfere with daily activities, it may be necessary to have the cataract removed. There is no medicine or treatment that can prevent or cure cataracts. The only treatment is surgical removal. A procedure called a cataract extraction can be done to help correct vision loss.

There are two types of surgery that can be done. One type does not usually need stitches and there is a shorter recovery. The outcome is the same for both methods. The type of surgery also depends on the condition of the lens, your history of other eye surgery, and the ability of the pupil in your eye to become large or dilate.

Cataract extraction is a short, outpatient procedure. The procedure can usually be done in less than an hour in the hospital or in an outpatient surgery center. The patient can go home the same day of the surgery.

The healthcare provider will discuss any changes in regular medicines and supplies that will be needed before surgery. The provider may give instructions not to take aspirin or a medicine that has aspirin in it for a week before surgery. Aspirin can cause excessive bleeding during or after surgery. Routine blood tests and an electrocardiogram or EKG are usually done before the surgery.

Surgery preparations include not eating or drinking anything for 8 to 12 hours before surgery. Special eye drops are used to make the pupil very large so that the lens is exposed as wide as possible. Most eye surgeons will have an anesthesiologist put you to sleep for about 3 minutes so they can numb the eye. This is followed by taking you into the operating room where additional sedation is given and the procedure is performed. During the surgery, you will be awake, but feel very relaxed and not anxious at all. No pain will be felt during the surgery. Cataract extraction surgery is rarely performed under general anesthesia.

To perform the procedure, a small cut is made in the edge of the cornea of the eye. The cloudy lens is removed and an artificial plastic lens (also called an intraocular lens) is usually put in its place to help the eye focus. If the plastic lens cannot be put in the eye, soft contact lenses or eyeglasses may be fitted to improve vision after the eye is healed. Blood pressure and other vital signs are monitored and an eye shield may be placed over your eye. Most people are allowed to go home after an hour or so in the recovery room. Activity may be limited for several days to several weeks following the surgery.

Even though very little anesthesia is used you will not be allowed to drive the day of surgery. It is a good idea to arrange for a ride home prior to surgery. You may also want to arrange to have some help with personal care and household duties.

Follow your provider's advice regarding physical activities and limitations that may include not lifting or bending over. Avoid rubbing or putting pressure on the eye and do not drive or do any activities may cause injuries.

Eye care at home usually includes using antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops for several weeks to promote healing and wearing glasses or an eye shield to protect the eye. The affected eye may be red and sensitive for the first few days. These symptoms will gradually improve. Complete recovery may be expected in 4 to 8 weeks. During this time, vision will continue to change and improve until it finally stabilizes. Colors may look brighter and have a bluish tint. It is necessary to wear dark glasses to block the brightness of the sun. A new prescription for eyeglasses will be given once vision has stopped changing.

During the first 4 weeks, certain symptoms may signal a complication or a problem. After cataract surgery, contact the provider immediately if any of these symptoms develop: eye pain, double vision, light flashes, swollen eyelids, or decreased vision.

In some cases, cloudiness may be noted a few weeks to a few months after the surgery. This is not a cause for alarm. The provider, using a laser, can safely and easily open the cloudy membrane. This procedure can be performed in the provider's office and takes only a few minutes.

Advantages of cataract surgery are many and include the fact that the operation is considered low risk, pain is minimal and recovery time is very short. Statistics also show that 95 percent or more of all cataract surgeries result in improved vision.

If cataracts are in both eyes, usually only one eye will be operated on at a time. In most cases, cataract extraction surgery is very successful and has even been safely done on persons over 90 years of age. Cataract surgery may be less effective for persons who have diabetes or diseases of the retina.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIL File EYES4520.Rf2 VRS# 4520 Data Version 7.0