Cataract surgery is an established procedure which replaces your eye’s natural lens with an artificial one. Thanks to advancements, cataract surgery has become safe and reliable with very low risks of complications.

If your cataract symptoms have become severe enough to impact on daily activities, then it may be time for cataract removal surgery. When this becomes necessary, schedule an appointment and arrange an assessment appointment immediately.

Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is a progressive eye condition in which the macula, the light-sensitive nerve tissue located at the central portion of retina (retinal nerve fibers), begins to deteriorate over time. Macular degeneration, also known as macular atrophy, causes central vision to gradually diminish and make reading, driving or performing other daily tasks that require straight lines more difficult. While macular degeneration may seem disabling at first glance, it does not result in blindness; its progression usually happens gradually over time. Early stages of macular degeneration may only affect one eye and be difficult to notice. However, it is essential that you monitor your vision closely and seek medical assistance if any noticeable changes arise, such as sudden blurring or distortion where straight objects such as telephone poles or venetian blinds appear bent or crooked.

Age related macular degeneration is the most prevalent form of macular degeneration, caused by a breakdown of your macula which controls central vision and fine detail. Individuals living with macular degeneration experience gradual loss of central vision which makes reading, working on a computer or smartphone, recognizing faces or driving challenging as well as seeing colors and details around them more difficult.

Macular degeneration comes in two varieties, dry and wet. Over 85% of patients suffering from macular degeneration exhibit its dry form, where tiny yellow protein clumps known as drusen begin to build up beneath the retina. If abnormal blood vessels begin growing beneath it and leak fluid or blood into it, this atrophic form could transition to wet type macular degeneration.

Wet macular degeneration may be less prevalent but can lead to rapid and severe vision loss. Here, abnormal blood vessels under the retina leak blood or fluid into its surroundings causing blurring or distortion in central vision.

There are various treatments for wet macular degeneration, including photodynamic therapy, laser surgery and injections. To determine the most appropriate option for you and ensure proper monitoring of your vision it’s important to discuss all available solutions with your healthcare provider and get regular dilated eye exams to determine your treatment plans.

Cystoid Macular Edema (CME)

Cystoid Macular Edema (CME) is a condition in which fluid accumulates in the macula, leading to blurred and distorted central vision. It may be the result of injury, disease or surgery and affect both eyes. While it typically is not painful and does not result in permanent vision loss, CME can nevertheless impair quality of life; most often occurring among patients with diabetes and those who have undergone cataract surgery; other potential causes include epiretinal membranes, retinal detachments, Uveitisis or retinal vein occlusion as well as medications such as anticoagulants NSAIDs or prostaglandins.

CME results from damage to the retinal pigment epithelium, a layer of light-sensing cells located at the back of your eye that converts light into electrical signals that travel along your optic nerve and are sent directly to your brain. Damaged cells release chemicals to repair themselves but this process often leads to leakage of fluid into macular areas and vision impairment. Cystoid macular edema occurs both dry and wet forms of macular degeneration; wet forms may be more severe due to high risks of bleeding/hemorrhages.

Cataract removal involves making a small incision in front of the eye and using an ultrasound probe to break up and suction out fragments from lens material, followed by replacing it with an artificial lens implant. It is fast, painless and successful – the most frequently performed surgical procedure in America today.

CME after cataract surgery can result from several different issues, the primary being disruption of the posterior capsule during or shortly after surgery, which allows fluid to leak into the vitreous cavity and lead to inflammation and macular edema. Furthermore, intraocular injection of steroids may have the same result, so choosing a surgeon with experience performing cataract surgery is paramount for optimal outcomes.

Retinal Hemorrhage

Retinal hemorrhage occurs when blood vessels in the retina (the thin layer that lines the back of the eye) burst, spilling their contents into vitreous fluid and leaving spots or cobwebs visible in your vision. It’s often due to medical conditions like diabetic retinopathy or high blood pressure; both eyes can experience it simultaneously or after cataract surgery.

Retinal hemorrhages vary in terms of their symptoms depending on the amount of bleeding that has taken place. Minimal bleeding may not cause any signs or symptoms; whereas significant hemorrhaging could result in vision loss which is extremely disturbing and lead to retinal detachments which could potentially result in blindness – thus it’s essential that an opthalmologist diagnose retinal detachments as soon as possible to protect vision from irreparable loss.

Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment is the most prevalent form, in which tears or holes in the retina pull it away from its attachment to the back wall of eyeball (vitreous) suddenly or gradually.

Exudative retinal detachments occur when fluid leaks from blood vessels below the retina but doesn’t create a break or tear in its tissue. They are commonly associated with inflammation disorders, proliferative diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma.

Other causes of retinal hemorrhage may include central retinal vein occlusion, in which a clot forms at its narrow exit point near the optic nerve and causes fluid build-up in the retina and swelling of the eyeball. Hypertensive retinopathy – damage caused to blood vessels in retina due to high blood pressure – may also contribute.

Hemorrhages can be difficult to treat and may not respond to medications used to reduce eye blood pressure. Laser surgery performed by an opthalmologist may be required to seal off leaking blood vessels and keep retina intact. Sometimes a support device known as a scleral buckle may also be required.

Infection

Cataracts are cloudy areas in your eye lens that blur vision. Cataracts are part of the natural aging process but may also be caused by other health conditions or injuries to the eye. Cataract removal is a quick and safe procedure that can restore clear vision to both of your eyes.

After cataract surgery, you may experience itching or minor discomfort for several days as the healing process commences. Your color of eyes may also change slightly as your retina adjusts to seeing through its new, clear lens. To ensure optimal healing and recovery following cataract surgery, always follow your physician’s instructions afterward.

One risk associated with cataract surgery is infection, a potentially serious eye condition which could result in permanent loss of vision if left untreated. Endophthalmitis refers to eye infection caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi or any foreign body and it may occur following any invasive eye surgery procedure resulting in pain, tears, drainage or light sensitivity.

Infections following cataract surgery are uncommon, yet can still arise. The most frequently observed type of infection following cataract removal is known as bacterial endophthalmitis and occurs when bacteria enter through an incision made during surgery, entering through its incision site and becoming lodged within it. It’s hard to treat, posing permanent loss of vision if left untreated quickly.

As it’s essential to seek emergency treatment quickly in case of infection, knowing the signs to look out for and when is crucial. Signs include sudden pain or decrease in vision, red and painful eyes, feelings that something is stuck in their eyeball, as well as sticky substance on its surface.

Infections are more likely to develop if you have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or retinal hemorrhages in the past. Following your doctor’s advice after cataract surgery is also vital and avoid rubbing or touching your eyeball.