Cataract Surgery
Introduction
Dr. D'Antonio's cataract surgery technique uses a tiny, sophisticated
"phacoemulsification" instrument to dissolve the hazy cataract lens within the
eye and replace it with a clear, artificial lens. This technique is called
"small incision, sutureless, phacoemulsification with intraocular lens
implantation." A typical procedure is performed as follows:
-
Anesthesia is achieved with eye drops or a small, painless injection near the
eye.
-
A small incision (approximately 1/8") is made in the eye.
-
The hazy cataract lens is gently dissolved by the tiny phacoemulsification
instrument, with high frequency ultrasound waves.
-
The new, clear, artificial lens is folded and inserted through the small
incision and
placed in the same position as the natural lens of the eye.
-
No stitches are required. Often no patch is
needed, but a tape and a shield may be placed over the eye for
several hours.
Surgery is performed on an outpatient basis and often takes less than 10
minutes. Family members may watch the surgery via television monitors in the
waiting area. Dr. D'Antonio's technique results in a rapid recovery allowing
many patients to return to near-normal activity the next day.
To receive more information about cataract surgery by mail, click
here
.
Who Can Have Cataract Surgery?
Almost everyone with a visually significant cataract who is hampered
in his or her daily activities can undergo small incision, sutureless
phacoemulsification cataract surgery with intraocular lens implantation
with Dr. D'Antonio. Age is not a limiting factor, and general medical
issues, such as diabetes, are rarely a problem because surgery is quick
and performed on an outpatient basis. The vast majority of glaucoma patients can also undergo
cataract surgery.
If you are interested in determining if you, or a family member or friend are a
candidate for cataract surgery, use our
Online Cataract Surgery Evaluation
or call
(504) 457-2020
to schedule an appointment.
Dr. D'Antonio's Cataract Surgery Results
Cataract
surgery results for Dr. D'Antonio are overwhelmingly successful.
Vision Improvement
A significant improvement in vision after surgery is reported.
Both complicated cataract cases and routine procedures
are included in these results.
Capsule Tears
Posterior capsule tears can occur during cataract
surgery.
Infection
Infection is a potentially serious complication of
any surgical procedure.
You should know the surgical results of your cataract surgeon! Be sure to ask!
Dr. D'Antonio is proud of her exemplary results and is
pleased to review them with you.
Your Cataract Surgery Consultation
Preparing for your consultation
Please bring your current glasses and/or contacts to your examination.
Please complete and bring the patient registration form and medical history
form that will be mailed to you prior to your appointment.
Your eyes will be dilated during the examination. Therefore, bring sunglasses
or someone to assist you if you will be driving home after the examination.
Your consultation
Specially trained technicians who are part of Dr. D'Antonio's
team will perform a complete history and eye examination.
Microscopic measurement of the shape of your cornea (keratometry) will be
performed and supported by corneal topography, if needed.
A precise measurement of the length of your eye will be taken by ultrasound.
Dr. D'Antonio will review all tests, examine your eyes and determine if
cataract surgery is indicated. He will review all the findings with you and
answer any questions you may have.
The entire examination is painless and takes one to two hours.
Scheduling your cataract surgery
Dr. D'Antonio's surgical coordinator will schedule your cataract surgery and
postoperative office examinations. All patients are provided a cataract surgery
information packet.
For all patients
,
Dr. D'Antonio does the entire cataract surgical procedure. Dr. D'Antonio
also provides all postoperative care personally.
Our goal is to provide you with the safest, highest quality and most convenient
cataract surgery. We strive to make your cataract surgery comfortable and convenient
with as little stress as possible.
Your Cataract Surgery
Preparing for surgery
Eye drops are prescribed for use starting approximately 3 days prior to surgery.
Our staff provides you with the time of surgery a week prior to surgery.
Consent forms and medical evaluation forms are completed prior to arrival at
the surgery center.
Patients should plan to spend approximately 3 hours at the surgery center.
Your cataract surgery
Surgical nurses and board certified anesthesiologists prepare you and your eye
for surgery.
In the operating room you will be on a comfortable, reclining stretcher bed.
After the eye is anesthetized it is cleaned and prepared for surgery in a
sterile manner.
Dr. D'Antonio performs your surgery utilizing a microscope. Your family and
friends may watch the surgery via TV monitors in the waiting area.
After surgery, you will go to the recovery area where you will rest for
15-30 minutes. Family members can join you.
A nurse will review all postoperative instructions and you are given a medical
care kit for use at home.
After surgery, a friend or relative must assist you to your home or hotel where
you should relax quietly for the remainder of the day. Most patients feel well
and may go out for dinner, however, please devote the entire day to the
appropriate care of your eye.
After your cataract surgery
Depending on your anesthesia, you may not need an eye patch or you
may require tape and a shield for several hours.
A metal shield without a patch is used at bedtime for the first night.
A list of postoperative instructions is reviewed with you prior to your
departure from the surgery center.
Most patients experience little or no pain after their procedure, although some
patients experience low to moderate discomfort.
You will be seen for a postoperative checkup the day after your surgery.
Patients usually note improved vision, but there may be some blurring depending
on your particular cataract and eye situation. Your best vision is usually
obtained 2 to 4 weeks after surgery.
A follow-up
visit will be scheduled and postoperative instructions are reviewed. Eye
drops are typically used on a tapering schedule for three to four weeks
postoperatively.
Routine activities may be resumed the day after surgery including bending,
lifting, stooping, driving (depending on your vision), flying, golf, tennis,
jogging, shopping and carrying bags. No mascara is allowed for one week and no
swimming for two weeks.
Possible side-effects and complications of cataract surgery
As with any type of surgery, complications are possible. Every effort is made
to minimize risk, but serious or long-term complications can never be fully
eliminated. No list of complications can be complete and a medical and
surgical procedure has potential risks, both foreseen and unforeseen. Each
patient is different in this regard and you should review any questions you
have about your particular situation with Dr. D'Antonio's team.
Our goal is to provide patients with the safest and most successful cataract
surgery possible. The majority of our patients enjoy improvement of their
vision following cataract surgery with Dr. D'Antonio. Please click if you
would like to
schedule an appointment
or receive additional information
about
Dr. D'Antonio's practice.
If you have further questions, please call Dr. D'Antonio's
office anytime at (504) 457-2020. Normal office hours are from 8
a.m. to 4 p.m. M-F. If the office is closed, you
will hear instuctions on how to contact someone in case of
emergency.
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