CATARACT REMOVAL

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.