Cataracts Surgery Complications

As your eyesight deteriorates, you may feel that glasses will help. They certainly will in the short term but they do not always provide a permanent solution if the problem is that you are developing cataracts that become increasingly common with age. Once that is diagnosed, surgery is an option of course and although it is common place these days, there is always an element of risk in any operation, no matter how minor. The procedure involves taking out the impaired lens and replacing it with a suitably clear plastic lens.

If you take no action, cataracts can result in your eyesight continuing to deteriorate. That can be a problem in many ways, everything from finding driving difficult to simple reading of a book or a computer screen. The glare of the sun can become uncomfortable so that you do not enjoy being outside, even on a warm, sunny day.

Where surgery is proposed, your eye is measured to decide on the artificial lens that is suitable. There will be no pain involved in the surgical procedure which will take less than an hour and you will not need to stay in hospital overnight.

There are occasionally side effects. Perhaps some swelling and bleeding, fluid build up or pressure inside the eye are occasional consequences of surgery? Your eye may be sore and itchy for a short time and it makes sense to have a fairly restful time for a few days. If any problems persist you need to see your doctor. Surgery is successful in over 90% of cases, but it does mean that it occasionally doesn’t work.

One possibility is something called posterior capsule opacity which laymen may call a secondary cataract though in fact it is not a cataract. It is a condition that develops in the membrane surrounding the lens. It can be rectified by laser treatment which can be done in a doctor’s surgery in minutes.

There is a very small risk of the retina becoming detached; statistics suggest that this happens in about 1% of cases. Equally rare, but possible is the chance of the lens becoming poorly positioned in the eye and this can lead to double vision.

Surgery is not really an option for men who are taking prostate drugs unless you accept that the risks of a detached retina increase. A second procedure can be done but most people would be reluctant to accept there may need to be a rectifying procedure.

By definition, surgery is invasive, no matter how minor the procedure. When it comes to cataract surgery, you have a decision to make about the whole idea of surgery and the costs involved. Even when basic surgery can be performed with minimal, or at times, no cost, you may have to wait a significant time before the work is done.

There are alternatives that people have used successfully for some years. You can find out more about cataract solutions online and if you decide to try eyedrops, you will be able to buy them online, as well as find them on eBay.