SUBJECTS:
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Possible Complications Caused by the Operation
Even if according to what said above the cataract operation by phacoemulsification has widely reduced the operating risks usually related to other methods, we shall also take into account the possible complications concerning this surgery. Therefore we have to consider some fundamentals.
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Preferred surgical choice Nowadays the cataract removal by phacoemulsification and artificial crystalline installation, is the preferred surgical choice for most of cases.
Options for avoiding surgery Up today there is no real option to avoid surgery. The only possible choice is going on living with the present visual conditions.
Other possible secondary pathologies The cataract operation does not preserve the eye from other possible pathologies such as glaucoma or troubles related to the retina.
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According to the latest statistic, 95% of operations gives positive results, against the remaining 5% of possible cases of complication. But we have to distinguish between minor and major complications. Minor complications, concerning about 4% or cases, are the following:
- Red or dry eye at a certain moment after operation
- Temporary diplopia when cataract is still affecting the controlateral eye
- Astigmatism
Major complications (less than 1% of cases) in reality are very rare and could be the following:
- Infections (1 out of 15,000)
- Corneal failure which causes the corneal loss of transparency for a long or short time.
- Breaking of the rear capsule. This event implies a change of the operation proceeding with a following broadening of the surgical hole for carrying on the operation and subsequently the need of suture stitches.
- Retinal troubles such as macular edema that delays the visual recovery.
- Increase of ocular pressure that for most of cases subsists only for a short time
- Hemorrhages (1 out of 1,500)
- Uveitis (phlogistic processes inside the eyeball).
- Displacements of the interocular lens. In this case a new operation is needed for repositioning it.
However, though very rarely, major complications can be treated by different surgical options and kept under control both during and after the operation.
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On the other hand, people undergoing to this operation can enjoy after that of a lot of benefits (they have a better sight of colors, they can drive a car, cook, use a computer, etc.) thus producing an easier way of life.
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The Secondary Cataract
After some time, ranging between some months and several years, a secondary dulling can arise on the crystalline back capsule where the interocular lens is laying. This dulling is called secondary cataract and can be removed without being obliged to undergo a second operation, thanks to the laser. This equipment will drill a hole on the back capsule that will never allow again its occurrence.
We have to underline that the occurrence of this event has been considerably decreased thanks to the phacoemulsification.
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The laser-ray drilling the secondary cataract
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Conclusions
After these considerations, I think it is clear that nowadays cataract is not to be yet considered a serious pathology whose surgical treatment implies several days of hospitalization and a long rehabilitation time.
Today thanks to phacoemulsification the patient subjected to the operation can return home after a few hours and after a few days can perform his working activities over again.
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...to the beginning
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