Cataract surgery is the procedure whereby there is removal of the lens of the eye, replacing it with an artificial one. It is used in the treatment of clouding that occurs in the eye. This procedure is performed by eye doctors, usually on an outpatient basis, which means one does not have to stay in hospital after the surgical procedure. The entire procedure is safe and is common. When going for cataract surgery San Antonio residents should know what is involved.

The aim is to get rid of cataracts that are the cause of blurry vision in addition to increasing the effects of light on the eyes. Surgery becomes one of the best treatment options when the cataracts hamper their ability to go about daily tasks. In some cases, cataracts interfere with other forms of eye treatment, which will also call for surgery. An example is when they interfere with examination of back parts of the eye.

Generally, if one decides to postpone the surgical operation for a while, there will not be any problem. This gives individuals time to consider any other options that may be available. When making the decision, there are important factors that have to be considered. The individual should consider if they can safely do their job, if they have problems reading or watching TV, whether or not they can clearly see faces and whether bright light affects their eyes.

The probability of experiencing complications or risks is low and most individuals undergo the procedures with success. Possible risks include retinal detachment, vision loss, swelling, infection and glaucoma. People suffering from other eye diseases are more at risk of complications. Underlying eye damage or infection will increase the probability of complications and risks.

Some form of preparation is required before the actual procedure. Ultrasound tests will be performed on the eye one week before surgery. The purpose of this is to establish the right size lens implant that is to be used. As part of preparation, one may be required to cease taking medications that are known to increase risk of bleeding. The risk of getting infected during treatment is reduced through the use of eye drops. Drinking or eating anything for the 12 hours before the procedure is discouraged.

Just one hour or two will be required for the entire procedure. The doctor first places eye drops in the eye for dilation of the pupil. The area around the eye is then numbed using local anesthesia and a sedative given for relaxation.

Once anesthesia is used and sedatives administered, the clouded lens is removed and replaced with the clear artificial one. In some cases however, there is no replacement of the clouded lens with the artificial one. After the replacement is done, vision improves within days. One is likely to experience blurry vision during the first few days of recovery, this however improves over time.

Some itching is likely to be experienced for some time during the first few days. Individuals are discouraged from rubbing the eyes at such times. For better protection, protective shields and eye patches are recommended.