HOW IS SMALL INCISION SURGERY PERFORMED? Small incision cataract surgery is performed on an outpatient basis. Beforesurgery, the patient is given as anesthetic to numb the eye and keep themcomfortable during surgery. Most patients return home a few hours after theprocedure, with little or no need for pain medication.
WHAT RESULTS CAN BE EXPECTED AFTER SMALL INCISION SURGERY?
Most patients can expect a rapid return to good vision following smallincision cataract surgery. In many cases, patients are able to seerelatively well the day after surgery without glasses. However, somepatients will need to wear glasses for reading and other activitiesfollowing the procedure. Quickly returning to an active lifestyle is one ofthe primary benefits of small incision cataract surgery.
IS SMALL INCISION CATARACT SURGERY FOR EVERYONE?
With the small incision techniques, fewer or no stitches are needed thanwith traditional techniques . However, the size of the incision and thenumber of stitches used varies from patient to patient. Some patients ,because of their eye structure or other health factors, are not goodcandidates for small incision surgery. In these cases, patients can havetraditional surgery and expect to do well .
SIGHT LOSS CAN BE PREVENTED
Although there is no way to prevent the development of cataracts, loss ofsight from the disease is largely preventable. With modern technology,cataracts can be removed and good vision restored. Cataract surgery can beperformed when a loss of vision begins interfering with daily activities
