Surgery on Back Where They Inject New Cartlidge

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While there is little that can be done about getting older, there are various measures that can often be taken to help reduce the amount these health issues affect our daily lives. One common issue for 75% of Americans over the age of 60 is cataracts. This is when normal daily activities such as driving, reading and/or watching television seem to be cloudy. Cataracts cause blurry vision and may increase the glare coming from bright lights.

Cataract surgery is a safe and simple procedure. Here is a look at what is involved in cataract surgery and recovery.

Diagnosis

If you are starting to have blurry vision, visit your local eye doctor who will perform a thorough eye exam and should quickly be able to identify cataracts. If you do have cataracts, the doctor will discuss various artificial lenses called intraocular lens (IOL), which can help improve vision. There are various lenses to choose from such as fixed-focus monofocal, accommodating-focus monofocal, multifocal as well as astigmatism correction. You and your doctor will go over which is the best lens for you depending on your lifestyle and needs.

Antibiotic eye drops for cataract surgery will be prescribed to you a few days beforehand which will help reduce the risk of infection. 12 hours prior to the surgery, the ophthalmologist may also recommend fasting.

Surgery

Patients are given eye drops before the cataract surgery, which dilates the pupil, as well as given a local anesthetic and sedative. During the procedure, the surgeon will remove the clouded lens and implant a clear artificial lens. This may be done through ultrasound energy, laser-assisted technology or by making a small incision in the eye.

The cataract surgery procedure time lasts an hour or less and is an outpatient surgery, meaning you will be able to return home the same day. As your eyes will be blurry after cataract surgery, driving after cataract surgery is not recommended so it is best to make appropriate transportation arrangements prior to going in for the appointment.

After Surgery

Directly post-surgery, there is a possibility the doctor will prescribe eye drops or medication to prevent infection, reduce inflammation and control eye pressure. If the eyes are itchy, it is extremely important not to rub or push on them. Over the following few days though, vision will improve and colors should start appearing brighter as you are literally seeing your surroundings through a new lens. Following a cataract surgery, a full recovery time may take up to 8 weeks.

Side Effects

While complications are rare, they may still occur. Some dangers of cataract surgery may include inflammation, infection, bleeding, swelling, drooping eyelid, dislocation of artificial lens, retinal detachment, glaucoma, secondary cataract or loss of vision. There is also a chance of floaters or a dry eye after cataract surgery. Immediately contact your doctor if there is any experience of vision loss, pain despite medication, floaters or an increase in eye redness.

Costs

When researching cataract surgery, the cost in the U.S. will vary depending on factors such as what type of procedure was used, where the patient resides and what health insurance policy the patient has. Overall though, the range of the cost to have cataract surgery can be anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000.

Insurance

Cataract surgery cost for Medicare users will be significantly lower than those with little or no coverage. It is important to talk to your health insurance prior to the surgery and clarify what is covered in the policy. For example, while implanting standard monofocal IOL may be considered standard care and medically necessary, therefore covered by Medicare, other lenses may not be covered.

Some insurance companies also require the insurance holder to pay a percentage of fees such as the eye exam, anesthesia personnel, prescription eyeglasses and follow up appointments with the ophthalmologist.

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Surgery on Back Where They Inject New Cartlidge

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