General
Information
DEFINITION--Removal of cataracts. Several removal techniques are available and
the doctor will choose one that is appropriate to your age and eye condition.
BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Eye; cornea; lens; eyelid membrane lining.
REASONS FOR SURGERY--Restoration of normal or almost-normal vision.
SURGICAL RISK INCREASES WITH
- Obesity.
- Smoking.
- Newborns and infants.
- Recent illness such as upper respiratory infection.
- Chronic illness, especially diabetes mellitus.
What To Expect
WHO OPERATES--Ophthalmologist.
WHERE PERFORMED--Hospital or outpatient facility.
DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
- Before surgery: Blood and urine studies; eye examinations.
- After surgery: Eye examinations.
ANESTHESIA--Local anesthesia (sometimes) by injection. One injection to prevent
eyelid blinking and one to immobilize the eyeball.
DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION
- A special instrument holds the eyelids apart.
- The eye is opened around the iris, and the lens is removed. Sometimes, the lens is
fragmented with ultrasound (See Glossary), and
debris is suctioned away.
- Sometimes, an artificial lens is inserted to replace the diseased lens.
- The temporary sutures are removed. Pilocarpine or atropine eye-drop solutions are placed
in the eye to keep the pupil open. Bandages are applied.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
- Surgical-wound infection.
- Lens capsule thickens causing hazy or cloudy vision.
- Dislocation of intraocular lens implant.
- Astigmatism.
- Retinal detachment.
- Increased pressure within the eyeball.
AVERAGE HOSPITAL STAY--0 to 1 days.
PROBABLE OUTCOME--Expect complete healing without complications. Allow about 3-4
days for recovery from surgery.
Postoperative Care
> Move and elevate legs often while resting in bed to decrease the likelihood of
deep--
vein blood clots.
- Avoid bending, straining or lying flat. These cause pressure inside the eye.
> You may use non--prescription drugs, such as acetaminophen, for minor pain.
ACTIVITY
- Return to daily activities and work as soon as possible.
- Avoid vigorous exercise for 6 weeks after surgery.
- Resume driving as advised by doctor.
DIET---No special diet.
Call Your Doctor If
Any of the following occurs:
- Sudden change in vision.
- Sharp pain or blood in the eye.
- Increased pain, swelling, redness or drainage in the surgical area.
- Nausea, vomiting or constipation.
- Signs of infection: headache, muscle aches, dizziness or a general ill feeling and
fever.
