Cataract Surgery Racine Wisconsin
Over fifty percent of people over the age of 60, and quite a few younger than that, suffer from cataracts. Currently there is no medical treatment to reverse or prevent the development of cataracts. Once they form, the only way to see clearly again is to have them removed from within the eye.
In your parents' or grandparents' day, cataract surgery was considered risky, required a lengthy hospital stay and was usually postponed for as long as possible. Today, cataract surgery is performed on an outpatient basis and takes less than half an hour. It is now one of the most common and successful medical procedures performed. In fact, following cataract surgery, many patients experience vision that is actually better than what they had before they developed cataracts.
Cataract surgery is for those who:
- believe that their quality of life has been impaired by poor vision
- have been diagnosed with cataracts
- have no health issues affecting their eyes
What to expect on your cataract surgery day:
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You will arrive at the hospital in Racine in advance of your procedure. Total time at the hospital usually will be 3-4 hours. You will rest for a time after the operation before you are released. You can not drive the day of the surgery because you will be given medications to make you sleepy. Your driver may wait there for you, or the driver can give a phone number to the nurse to call when you are ready to be picked up. |
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You will be given a sedative to help you relax. You will then be prepared for surgery. The area around your eyes will be cleaned and a sterile drape may be applied around your eye. Eye drops or a local anesthetic will be used to numb your eyes. When your eye is completely numb, an eyelid holder will be placed between your eyelids to keep you from blinking during the procedure. |
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 Your eye will be completely numbed before the procedure. |
A very small incision, about 1/8 of an inch in size will be made and a tiny ultrasonic probe will be used to break up the cataract into microscopic particles using high-energy sound waves. This is called phacoemulsification.
The cataract particles will be gently suctioned away. Then, a folded intra-ocular lens (IOL) will be inserted through the micro-incision, then unfolded and locked into permanent position. The small incision is "self-sealing" and usually requires no stitches. It remains tightly closed by the natural outward pressure within the eye. This type of incision heals fast and provides a much more comfortable recuperation.
This advanced technology is used by the Eye Surgeons of The Eye Clinic of Racine. It allows most patients to have cataract operations with no shots in the eye, no stitches, and no patch after surgery.
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Intra-Ocular Lens replaces the natural lens of the eye.
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The IOL is placed inside the capsular bag of the eye. |
You will go home soon after the surgery and relax for the rest of the day. Everyone heals somewhat differently, but many patients report improvement in their vision soon after the procedure. Most patients return to their normal activities within a day or two.
Realistic expectations:
The decision to have cataract surgery is an important one that only you can make. The goal of any vision restoration procedure is to improve your vision. However, we cannot guarantee you will have the results you desire.
Once removed, cataracts will not grow back. But some patients may experience clouding of a thin tissue, called the capsular bag, that holds the intra-ocular lens. This may happen within weeks of surgery or many years later. In most cases, a laser is used to painlessly open the clouded capsule and restore clear vision with a procedure called a capsulotomy, which is done in the Eye Clinic of Racine's office.
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The capsular bag may become cloudy in the future. |
Serious complications with cataract surgery are rare. It is a safe, effective and permanent procedure, but like any surgical procedure, it does have some risks. Going to an eye specialist experienced with the procedure can significantly minimize the risks involved with cataract surgery.
After a thorough eye exam, you and your Eye Clinic of Racine eye doctor will determine if cataract surgery is an option for you. You will be given additional information about the procedure that will allow you to make an informed decision about whether to proceed. Be sure you have all your questions answered to your satisfaction.
Contact The Eye Clinic of Racine for an appointment at 637-9615.
Cataract Surgery Racine
Cataract Surgery Wisconsin |
