| Having a cataract operation
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Your specialist has recommended
that the cataract affecting your eyesight is removed. This leaflet
provides some information and advice about the procedure. However,
you should always follow the instructions of your own specialist.
If you have any unanswered questions, please do not hesitate to
ask your specialist or nurse for more information. It's natural
to feel anxious, but often knowing what to expect can help. |
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| What is a cataract operation?
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This involves taking out
the cloudy lens and replacing it with a clear, artificial implant.
The most common cataract operation is known as 'phacoemulsification'.
The procedure usually takes 15-20 minutes and is most often performed
as a day case, without the need for an overnight stay.
Cataracts typically occur in both eyes, but they are usually treated
one at a time, to allow the first eye to recover. |
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| About the operation |
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You will normally move from
your room to the operating theatre on foot or in
a wheelchair, depending on your fitness. |
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| Anaesthetic |
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Your operation usually takes
place under a local anaesthetic. This means you will not feel
any pain during the procedure, but you will be awake.
In some cases, anaesthetic drops are applied to the outer part
of the eye. This causes the eye to sting briefly. In others, an
injection into the eye or the area around the eye is used. This
will be a sharp sensation that passes quickly.
During the operation you will be asked to lie on the operating
table with your head held in a fixed position. You will not be
able to see out of the eye that is being treated, but you will
be aware of a light.
A nurse will stay with you to provide reassurance and to ensure
that you feel as relaxed and comfortable as possible.
During the operation, the surgeon works with very fine instruments
while looking at the eye through a microscope. The procedure involves
a tiny incision at the edge of the cornea. This incision is often
so small that no stitches are required. |
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| Preparing for your operation
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Once at the hospital, you
may be asked about your medical history and any previous experience
of hospital treatment. Your answers will help them in planning
your care whilst you are in hospital.
Before you come into hospital, you will be asked to have a bath
or shower and remove any make-up, nail varnish and bulky or sharp
jewellery. Rings and earrings that you'd prefer not to remove
can usually be covered with adhesive tape.
If you are having a local anaesthetic, there is no need to go
without food and drink. |
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| At the hospital |
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After your admission, a
nurse will explain how you will be cared for during your treatment.
Your surgeon may also visit you to explain the procedure in more
detail. This is a good time to ask any outstanding questions about
your treatment.
The nurse will help you get ready for theatre. This will include
giving you some eye drops that dilate the pupil. These may temporarily
affect your vision. |
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| Consent |
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| You will be given a consent
form to sign. By doing this, you confirm that you understand what
the procedure involves, including the benefits and risks, and
give your permission for it to go ahead. Many patients feel uncomfortable
with the idea that a procedure may involve risks, but to make
an informed choice, you need to know about the possible risks
before you give consent. |
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| What are the risks? |
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| Having a cataract removed
commonly performed and generally safe operation. However, all
surgery does carry some element of risk. This can be divided into
the risk of side-effects and the risk of complications. |
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| Side-effects |
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| These are the unwanted but
mostly temporary effects of successful treatment. Examples of
side-effects include an itchy or sticky eye and blurry vision
for a few days after the operation. The eye may also ache, but
this generally settles down within 10-14 days. It's also possible
that the eyelid or eye will be bruised, but this will heal in
the normal way. |
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| Complications |
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This is when there are problems
during or after the procedure. Most people are not affected. Possible
complications of a cataract operation include tearing of the structure
behind the lens. This may sometimes result in reduced vision.
It's also possible for the cataract to be lost into the back of
the eye, requiring a further operation.
The most common complication occurs when the lens casing, which
is left in the eye to support the implant, becomes cloudy. This
is called 'posterior capsular opacification' and results in reduced
vision similar to a cataract. The condition begins gradually,
about two years after the operation. A relatively simple laser
treatment can be used to correct it.
Your risk of complications will depend on your general health
and on any other eye conditions that you may have. You should
ask your surgeon to explain how these risks apply to you. |
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| After your operation |
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You will be taken back to
your room or the day care ward where you can rest on a chair or
bed. When you feel ready, you can drink and eat as normal and
light refreshments will be provided. You should regain feeling
in your eye within a few hours.
Once you are comfortable, you will be able to go home. You will
need to be careful when moving around because it's hard to judge
distances with one eye covered. |
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| Going home |
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It is preferable to have
someone to take you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours,
especially if it's your only good eye that has been treated. On
discharge, your nurse will give you some further information on
caring for your eye and putting in the eye drops that your surgeon
will prescribe for you.
It is important to continue using these as advised as they help
to prevent infection and promote healing.
You will be given a 24-hour contact telephone number for the hospital
and a follow-up appointment. Most surgeons see their patients
again within week of the operation. |
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| After you return home |
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Your surgeon will give advice
that's specific to you. This may include how long to use eye drops
and, if applicable, when you can resume driving.
In general, you should take it easy for the first two or three
days after the operation. However, you will be able to perform
your normal activities including moving around and bending down.
Try not to touch or rub your eye.
As you must keep soap and shampoo out of your eyes, it's sensible
to avoid washing your hair for the first few days.
In the first few weeks after the operation, avoid heavy lifting
as this can increase
the pressure in the eye and could put a strain on the healing
scar.
If you suffer more than mild pain, or you experience loss of vision
or increasing redness of the eye, you should contact the hospital
for advice. |
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| Further information |
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Medem
http://www.medem.com/MedLB/sub_detaillb.cfm?parent_id=30&act=disp.cfm
MayoClinic.com
http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?id=DS00050&si=1017
American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
http://www.ascrs.org/ |
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Healthwise (Health Information Resource
Centre)
Tel : (852) 2849 2400
Fax : (852) 2849 2900
Email : info@healthwise.org.hk
Homepage : http://www.healthwise.org.hk/
This leaflet is for information only. For a detailed
opinion or personal advice, please consult with your own
doctor |
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