Cataract Surgery
Cataract Surgery
A cataract is the clouding of the natural lens in the eye. Usually an age-related problem, cataracts can also be congenital and occur in children, related to diabetes or caused by trauma to the eye.
Surgery is the only treatment option for cataracts. The operation is performed under local anaesthetic as an in-hospital day procedure and involves removing the cloudy lens from the eye.
Cataract surgery is done through a self-sealing micro-incision with a high-frequency ultrasound probe called phacoemulsification. The phaco machine breaks the lens up into fragments and vacuums and removes these fragments out of the eye.
The cloudy lens which has been removed is then replaced with an intraocular lens implant.
Cataract surgery is one of the most common and successful medical procedures performed worldwide. The operation is painless and quick, usually taking just 20 minutes to perform.
The patient returns home the same day and can expect fairly rapid improvement in vision over the course of a few days.
Cataract Surgery – Post-Operative Eye Care
- Start using drops when you return home after your op. Apply drops four times a day until finished.
- When putting drops in the eye, start with Tobradex, then, after two minutes, apply Acular.
- When going to bed, cover eye with the plastic shield for the first week after operation.
- Avoid exercise for the first week after operation.
- For the first month after operation, keep eye dry at all times, especially when taking a shower or washing hair.
- Do NOT rub the eye post op.
- If your eye gets very painful or red contact Dr Harrison immediately.